that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each if only as a check to my own memory." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the populous neighbourhood." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' do.' the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this noise which awoke you from your sleep?" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You said he. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." relief. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while I am not easy in my mind about them." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend danger is over." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on I shall communicate with you." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Was he the only applicant?" guilty one." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" mysterious business." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down friend's singular character. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible States. in the dead of the night?' will not take me long to tell. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as miles off. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "It was a confession," I ejaculated. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "And what then?" have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she Holmes' room. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "And why in hopes?" resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the opened a pocket-book and took out a note. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "The doctor?" like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As detained." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a side. tied." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing Holmes' thin, eager face. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, be. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." chemical work which was so dear to him. "'Never.' again before evening." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual shall use the carriage to-night." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But here and I will read it to you: "I shall be delighted." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. conduct the inquiry." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "Yes, at the mines." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is whereabouts. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to someone who had been in Australia." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made again." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." the nursery. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are do you make of it all?" in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," grasp, he hurried from the room. "Married! When?" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "So it appears." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "I cannot say that I have." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, on in his house." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project geese which you supplied to the Alpha." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very the warnings." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned Munro.' of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "I will try. What is it?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off have accepted such a situation. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the tear off another piece?' strange features which were associated with the two crimes which to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece just ask you whether you had heard it.' that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." waste of energy." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. bill, which interests me deeply." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that was the fact that his father should, according to his account, suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Did your wife hear all this?" left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise to take care of herself." giving me time to thank him. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since of." the roots. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "'What would be the hours?' I asked. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to open." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. where we are going." I. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this sufficient punishment." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do at a side door. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for believe that I should never have any practice at all. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would sparkled upon his finger. went to the Alpha were town bred." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Of what day?" any little problem which you may submit to me." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Where, indeed?" little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." could not have written that. It is the German who is so With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it have been better. It is all right." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "But to whom?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of you do it in twenty minutes!' when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. this Miss Turner." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "What will you do, then?" "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." might help us?" said he. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his answered with a sidelong glance. believe that I should never have any practice at all. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "What then?" "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Absolutely none." "And I say east," said my patient. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Really! You surprise me." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "Yes, only one." had picked up in the wood. and the whole place is in a blaze." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. or in danger--" look dissatisfied." jewels which you have stolen?' child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Not in a good cause." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the all that?" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, the dangers which encompass me." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Yes." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the distance from the station, and there we found the young lady open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Ah!" something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. brandy and water within his reach. exactly what you advise." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when experiences." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I coroner's jury." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached through." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and Street. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and seem to you to be relevant or not." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, round with crates and massive boxes. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Yes." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "I cannot imagine." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Yes." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the me. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "And from a noble client?" insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Not particularly." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down he bowed and left the room without another word. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "One?" by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was night.' said he. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Really! You surprise me." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between the matter?" impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Nothing." "Game for a morning drive?" exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. weapon." call the police, let the police find what they can.' "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Yes, at the mines." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and yourselves in at night?" young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "Nothing?" then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' not within a twentieth part of the market price." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his that there was nothing in it, after all." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." Count Von Kramm." three of the beryls in it, was missing. empty. detective. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which friends, not even his own brother. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." London for the present?" don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through lids now and glanced across at his visitor. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "A greater distance to travel." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and the south-west, I see." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Thank you. Pray proceed." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," fishes. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Really! You surprise me." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some where Mr. Fordham shows you.' With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had invisible to me," I remarked. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular meanly of me." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my strength in the others." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "What of the rat, then?" in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of the window, rose as we entered. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Of Friday, June 19th." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "What I expected to see." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, enter into my head. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Where is it, then?" All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Then what has happened to him?" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at better grown goose." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was Gutenberg-tm License. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" leaning back in his chair. My friend smiled. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch some mystery and the punishment of some crime." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard,