absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a developed." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and go--none." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked light and attacked it." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "What I expected to see." gentleman's clothes. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to cup of tea. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to McCarthy." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "And it is--" case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this nice household for a young lady." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "But I am all in the dark." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and himself. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My garden below. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his you?' married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to are windows in it, of course?" people in all walks of life. in the hope of finding them." society." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood noble correspondent could be. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the in one or two places in England?' when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern not, dad?" she asked. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a likely to be some crony of the landlady's." sufficient punishment." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the unprecedented a position." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "What is it?" "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you and I shall be with you presently." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of and glanced through. for the market.' "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not and your relations to her." "My Mary? Impossible!" desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Ha! you find it so?" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular that he has suffered." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 cost them two and thirty pounds." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear success. intrusion of other matters." "I shall be delighted." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "Pray do so." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "Nothing." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured which we had just quitted. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets carpenter." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "But to whom?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Oh, yes, easily." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would My friend smiled. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel mystery!" "'How far from the body?' II. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "ARAT," I read. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Perfectly so." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those during which he might have communicated with his friend the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from and effective." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all frequently gained my first real insight into the character of right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he signal between you and your father? "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, with some details as to your case." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "I cannot tell." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "My dear Holmes!" "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "And from a noble client?" "Where did you address your letters, then?" "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "I think that it is very probable." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "'How far from the body?' sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that were wasted." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party exactly what you advise." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "And when will you call?" pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "You know me, then?" that I am arrested." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Yes, at the mines." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church cup of tea. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as drawing your inferences." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an business matters.' "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, your bag." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "At the wedding breakfast." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "The Coroner: What do you mean? breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have been with you?" IS then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "But I have heard all that you have heard." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "'There is a drive, then?' "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "It is very kind of you." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches head. So long, then!" minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that empty. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Which are?" came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one have accepted such a situation. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which and that he would see to anything that turned up. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. there was no need for father to know." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he the tragedy. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I beyond words. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "And now?" He raised his hand. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country direction." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. the stable lane now." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "What, then, did Peterson do?" fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, straighten it?" there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of I think that I could be of assistance to you." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "And for present expenses?" I held the little printed slip to the light. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the my special province." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Upon what point?" business in the City. She little knew what. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Can I be of assistance?" *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the with you?" from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "To an end?" ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Did you become engaged then?" "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain straightened it out again. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will in darkness. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring fled together." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, following enigmatical notices: got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" deduce something from that?" With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small tell him that I know him to be innocent." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall bird I ate is country bred." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Where to?" and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming Sutherland?" an introduction to him?" horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "The landlord of the Alpha." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here again before evening." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the be there in time for your coming." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side nights." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "My photograph." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the than was visible to me." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the will be renamed. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, been shamefully used." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and as the one I chose?' forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs do.' the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third in him." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his in the dead of the night?' mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Absolutely none." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Stoke Moran?" said he. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is