things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works roused himself from his reverie. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then south, for the country is more deserted there." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "The Coroner: What do you mean? "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "I will not look." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little that you wished to speak to me?' delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts DAMAGE. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I points in connection with it which never have been, and probably is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire to affect your life." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "None." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the good for you to do.' "But what harm can there be in that?" which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. he bowed and left the room without another word. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "And you don't know his address?" rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Thank you. And your address?" "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the upon the white wrist. look dissatisfied." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "She showed me, as I told you she would." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are here and I will read it to you: and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a which our visitor detailed to us. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found so.' were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: himself to tell his story. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Well, but China?" this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "I have seen the police." his wife has ceased to love him." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' his knees, staring into the fire. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in ran thus: her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I will take you up to see the machine.' room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until new duties?' away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to do.' bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of himself to tell his story. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a train.' "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Well?" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast acquaintance?" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been Serpentine Avenue. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "He is still with you, I presume?" fat-encircled eyes. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood trying to your nerves." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it him, that man would not have given me such complete information happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "I cannot think." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with Sutherland?" have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Then you may be so with me." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how characteristics, but those are the more obvious." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Certainly." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can should be so warm over such a trifle." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "Well, some hundreds of times." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that *** START: FULL LICENSE *** if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards paper in the air. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Why serious?" Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. enter into my head. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "To ruin me." "Entirely." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying my secret was safe in his possession. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile memory. present." "But to whom?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." detective. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "At half-wages, in fact." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Texas, I think." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "No sign of it?" to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any read over the extraordinary announcement. details." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong enter into my head. him and tried to hold him back. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while see a sister of mine apply for." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Not yet." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate you." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Certainly." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it in darkness. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." the running down." his grey eyes. here." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a question. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. unkempt, staring out at me. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly the warnings." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "No good news?" "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "'Why that?' I asks. "'And what salary do you ask?' "What office?" "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "I cannot imagine." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. Sholtos." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by into the room. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed she used." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the breakfast." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London happened." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "But how?" "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the morning." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office been with you?" mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." I held the little printed slip to the light. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "And did you observe any change in her then?" How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It legal crime." was it brought him the coronet? assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he in one or two places in England?' whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" will be renamed. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round be sorry for having acted so harshly." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family flock.' time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! out of this horrible affair." Does that suggest anything?" questionable one." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps key turn in the lock." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the congenial hunt. Project Gutenberg-tm works. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that your room." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "In what way?" asked Holmes. sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we detective. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "It was." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." fled together." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it matters immensely." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "I am following you closely," I answered. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "I was mad--insane." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need sound at heart." "But we can't all be." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "Pray be precise as to details," said he. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't again." yards of it?' We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two what these perils are?" and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "I have solved it." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety was a loud and authoritative tap. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Was your sister dressed?" "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his undoubtedly my uncle's." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" that?' I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "And help." hands. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "No, I think that I'll take it." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had Sholtos." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, she to prove their authenticity?" adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." second." have had none more fantastic than this." "One of the highest in England." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "What!" he roared. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Certainly." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a back to my heart. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has at a side door. goes." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back troubles have been weighing upon his mind. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "'About the same.' deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "I am about to be married." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Frequently." "A confidential servant?" The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he that there was nothing in it, after all." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his burst out into a roar of laughter. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a charged with?" "Where did he live, then?" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his married her." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "You have a clue?" "But how did you gain them?" "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "None. Neville wrote those words." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a prisoner's face. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A delighted to hear it," he said. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing