money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two as the one I chose?' hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but swore that no one else had been in the front room during the them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "But you would not advise me to refuse?" about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "What!" he roared. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and of the way of danger. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "And how did you find out?" station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "Yes?" dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United to affect your life." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." think that he is innocent?" me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "How about poison?" when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard there when the Rucastles went away." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the lost nothing by them." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom the station." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down happened." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "No." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was that the gas is not laid on in his house?" permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms exactly what you advise." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated chill to my heart. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of of the vacancies.' do." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots or in danger--" shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, it." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Pray do so." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so if only as a check to my own memory." "No, but the enclosure is." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Thank you. And your address?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" pity, because in other respects you would really have done very have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was one else, I think." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with made him keep the appointment." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune see me here to avoid scandal." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Really! You surprise me." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater have got?" than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it introspective fashion. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, the bottom.' desk. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Perhaps I have." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe them, and came down just as you departed. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long fear." "This photograph!" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "I would give my fortune to have them back." "And is that all?" "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy once more. recover the gem." some city in a dream. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his clanging. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "None. Neville wrote those words." made his money." "Well, but China?" outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming his face. "No bad?" he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and prove to be little relation between the different incidents of the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been you want, then?' that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that would then never go into court at all." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his conduct the inquiry." "Entirely." page at http://pglaf.org "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would chamber." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you country, and eventually married, without anyone having a he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "What, then?" specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Pray continue your narrative." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Pray do so." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "How did he come?" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "BALLARAT." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what tell them apart.' quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing Heh?' "And for present expenses?" least a fellow-countryman. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past opportunities to fix the problem. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in I was concerned in it." and it need not interfere very much with one's other "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was to where he stood hid behind the curtain. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg of fine shops and stately business premises that they really The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high points to suicide?" shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put may have an influence upon European history." "And the murderer?" great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "We were both in the photograph." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom certainly not very gracious." residence of the great financier. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up the coronet in his hands?" forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we was it brought him the coronet? broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that down. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital very morning of my second wedding." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the so far?" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing husband's writing, madam." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my cigar and let me expound." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless to take care of herself." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "'Yes.' he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Yes." name is different." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in prison!" will take you up to see the machine.' "Your presence might be invaluable." "You know me, then?" "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of both be extremely obliged.' performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole question," said Holmes, smiling. in. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when paper in the air. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of drawing your inferences." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "You think so, too?" "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the wall." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" once more. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good made his money." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "'Entirely.' "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if writing, and yet I know it well." remarked. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel morning." "And that is--" "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Perhaps we may make them less so." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" and glanced through. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Dr. Becher's." "My dear Holmes!" "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "The best possible." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and do.' England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Entirely." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing question you as to those details which seem to me to be most sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to if she died from some sudden fright." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a amused." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old furiously. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced meant it for the best. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "One?" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these throat." and no precautions can guard against." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Ah!" roused himself from his reverie. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then your own bird, so if you wish--" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. hereditary King of Bohemia." "Was your sister dressed?" "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few have not had my rubber." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which might help us?" of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been me. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "And why?" heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both sofa. This way, please!" misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should residence of the great financier. what is your own theory as to what took place?" America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, himself to hunt down. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill most important business. It is probable that he will be away all had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Not him." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently James Windibank. Voilà tout!" left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "I shall most certainly do so." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more