those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever particular state visit http://pglaf.org chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "Yes, but only for you and me." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily is entirely a question of barometric pressure." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we miles off. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, photograph?" "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. long narrative. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and examination of the premises, but without finding anything which The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. again." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "We must have a cab." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a were new raised from a basin. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "I think that I had better go, Holmes." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and might help us?" had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite been." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled have accepted such a situation. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, his fortune, and I went back to pa. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "'Yes, I promise.' case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "No." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "I do." to a light-house. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to the south-west, I see." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came good for you to do.' "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with was keenly on my guard against him. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited the house with me." "To ruin me." might have a private word with us. "'Yes.' My friend smiled. have not had my rubber." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be beg that you will break it off." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "I was sure that I might rely on you." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may was used.' "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I showing my impatience. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, not within a twentieth part of the market price." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found http://gutenberg.net/license). aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." to-night?' hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Yes." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as himself to hunt down. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." address. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every know what is wrong with it.' firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "But you can know nothing of this?" against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" lumber-room." "And is that all?" "What will you do, then?" Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, in. he. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away eat it." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may foot. several quiet little villages up there." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to of the vacancies.' but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "None." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "She showed me, as I told you she would." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." I approached. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there outside." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "You think that he is dead?" "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at which it had come upon my father." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange allusion to a rat. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son get her out of the way." rat could hardly pass through." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "What is it, then--a fire?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside other lovers by making love himself." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "No, distinctly professional." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Arthur Conan Doyle jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "We must have a cab." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "No, my brougham is waiting." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after what I may call a really hard day's work." following enigmatical notices: his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Entirely." "You think that he is dead?" several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "Holmes, the busybody!" "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other seem to you to be relevant or not." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you your room." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "How about poison?" mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "When did it break out?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by in my life." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "It goes to the housekeeper's room." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Very. But will he see it?" in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came past. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, and a shock of very red hair. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. the King without delay." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one tied." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." carpenter." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save not, dad?" she asked. "But how?" there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, confronted him. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, developed." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "And who is her maid?" in him." "No good news?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for some mystery and the punishment of some crime." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly Where does the thing come from?' "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the of receipt of the work. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At Sutherland?" "Why? What do you mean?" Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass companion quietly. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which there were so many in the whole country as were brought together homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the the very letters. But what is this written above them?' propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their before the coroner and the police-court." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "But what is it you wish?" God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the Eyford at 11:15.' his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed must be when I saw the door open.' "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. presented more singular features than that which was associated copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to fashion which was peculiar to him. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the thirty. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Yes." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was room. "He said that you could solve anything." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All not as remarkable as your advertisement." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "The vanishing of the lady." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which went to the Alpha were town bred." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of paper in the air. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an points in connection with it which never have been, and probably Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to to affect your life." bearing upon the case." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the considering the formidable letters which were received by himself league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "'As governess?' was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never problems help me to do so." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should back into the street. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the Does that suggest anything?" "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy your room." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very him. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. that you can jump it.' home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, know what is wrong with it.' "'You doubt its value?' he asked. throat." "And now?" I asked. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if his forehead." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Pray do so." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "I promise," said Holmes. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "No, I am descending." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "And what did you learn from him?" did not hear it also.' "Yes, I have one waiting." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate brought there to personate someone, and the real person is ready to-morrow?' of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "A confidential servant?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "I am all attention, madam." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell manager. mystery!" statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "My opinion is in no way altered." "By no means." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, now. It seems that there had been some informality about their 11:15.' They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four definite end. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" the very morning of the wedding."