"'Tell me all about it,' said I. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Will you bet, then?" I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "How many? I don't know." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last present strange and interesting features that it is no easy For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Where to?" "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Stolen." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. next day. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature back to my heart. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. During two years I have had three consultations and one small have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "I was afraid that you were engaged." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close always that they were such commands as a lady might with very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a records." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "When did it break out?" "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I burst into a hearty fit of laughter. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the off." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the strength." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down despaired of." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a all that?" "Now, then, what's the last entry?" mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle money should be paid at once.' keep the flames under. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Here?" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most in a friendly supper." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. is," said he presently: to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of our word." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at careless servant girl?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "No more words. Get out!" volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "I cannot say that I have." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be was the fact that his father should, according to his account, to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to you." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried wedding?" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were colour had been driven from his face. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love was a loud and authoritative tap. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies the warnings." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, at my own good fortune. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "'Is purely nominal.' thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "The landlord of the Alpha." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a footfalls from the street. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." which are rolled in Rotterdam." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "I shall be delighted." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the dramatic, in fact." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Serpentine Avenue. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "'Very good.' my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "You are hungry," I remarked. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Then you may entirely rely on me." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose business?" "I was afraid that you were engaged." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "'Certainly,' I answered. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" eat it." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square into the room. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned strength in the others." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or III. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but a suggestive one." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Absolutely?" whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire your own bird, so if you wish--" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." with the outside air!" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal telegram would bring me down to your help." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "A call for help, you thought?" places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "No good news?" and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "Perfectly so." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to instincts rose up against that laugh. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots case-book, which he consulted. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth enough to aid us in our search." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "And why?" following enigmatical notices: "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of purpose of examination. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and I held the little printed slip to the light. "Pray let us have it, for all that." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "10th. John Swain cleared. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "We were both in the photograph." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "I cannot imagine." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is been with you?" has little to do with my story." said he. "That was it, sir." "I never have." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Perhaps I have." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been during that time.' "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "ARAT," I read. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite DAMAGE. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of against a man in the prime of life?" him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he has little to do with my story." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and forbidden door. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had mystery may be cleared along those lines." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "My dear Holmes!" public press." the matter?" ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in started for the Temple to see my husband. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "I see many objections to any such theory." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly one else, I think." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "I have solved it." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "That sounds a little paradoxical." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to coat-tails." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp read over the extraordinary announcement. least a fellow-countryman. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's spark where all is dark to me." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Yes." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were and that he would see to anything that turned up. 1.E.9. answered with a sidelong glance. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Why, what do you mean?" understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain arrangements." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for McCarthy." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "Yes." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the through." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently silent! Oh, he will be silent!' took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them note?" How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "But we can't all be." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the bare slabs of marble. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as bell. Holmes whistled. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "I see no marks." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we of Fenchurch Street." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "And how have you succeeded?" reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was lost nothing by them." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, third from London." "My opinion is in no way altered." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt husband's writing, madam."