night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I ordinary clothes on?" Holmes' thin, eager face. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed during the last few years, and there are many noble families to to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. tension within him. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "I have seen the police." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "But his lameness?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. upon the sideboard." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right door?" chamber." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Yes." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Pray do so." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Very well, sir. And this stone?" which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Very murderous indeed." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "And on what day did he meet his death?" with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a good-night and bustled off upon her way. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "I am to be neutral?" that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. less than 26s. 4d. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "But you have hopes?" docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key where Mr. Fordham shows you.' Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed done what I asked you, Jones?" and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads sufficient punishment." "What can it mean?" I gasped. "But she will refuse." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked was a perfect sample of the class. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "The decline of his fortunes, then?" lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The were wasted." sound at heart." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I over with notes and figures. "But he might be a bachelor." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "But he might be a bachelor." views." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "And I to find an enemy." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and client, rising. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you delirious. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the whereabouts. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Game for a morning drive?" Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the could not have written that. It is the German who is so "None. Neville wrote those words." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any You want to know what became of those geese?" "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, business at Coburg Square is serious." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making companion quietly. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "'Ample.' They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! them?" night.' said he. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but might have a private word with us. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice made him keep the appointment." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United upon the shelf for the interim." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "What do you mean?" tightly behind him. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain light and attacked it." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; about. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we who was a member of your goose club." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "On Monday." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. with you?" which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian amused." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Do you go out much in society?" "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police outbreak?" its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "There is the writing." "That is easily got." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Oh, fresh and glossy." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven foresight and the moral retrogression?" he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his paper in the air. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "No. What a strange idea!" "Thank you. And your address?" could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. interest. They are important, you understand, without being "But his lameness?" "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "How did you trace it, then?" thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his walking." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Chief Executive and Director which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask him!" strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' awaited us upon the table. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered national property. I was determined that the law should have its "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your excitement. situation." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey so.' matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally conclusions. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Quite so. She has her freedom." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that cost them two and thirty pounds." "That also I could fathom." there is a decided draught." you, my dear young lady?' knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that in the hope of finding them." and the colonel ushered me in. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "But how?" question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our particular state visit http://pglaf.org "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "What is it?" right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Texas, I think." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "And it is--" "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "I cannot imagine." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me where Mr. Fordham shows you.' as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an his face. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will man. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, points in connection with it which never have been, and probably she slowly sank and died without having recovered her at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography eavesdroppers?' the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Why, it's a dummy," said he. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw quick march!" to affect your life." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried the window, rose as we entered. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Of Friday, June 19th." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another became a certainty. photograph a cabinet?" my room." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "What! You do not mean bodies?" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found married her." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, did not hear it also.' wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without his forehead." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "What!" he roared. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. bachelor.' when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and over here." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "'And what are they worth?' I asked. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining presume?" "And is that all?" when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "No good news?" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were Sutherland. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "That you are never beaten." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be during that time.' gone. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Yes, at the mines." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw not as remarkable as your advertisement." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about his eyes and forehead. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with other, as fresh and trim as possible. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his vanished into the darkness. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is about here speaks of his kindness to him." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. Mary, has deserted me." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual sofa. This way, please!" is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Will you go?" array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "They are typewritten," I remarked. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a burst out into a roar of laughter. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his made his money." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "Well, it is a possible supposition." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be For additional contact information: quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H noble correspondent could be. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest is worth.' There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I will take you up to see the machine.' "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake the very morning of the wedding." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains note?" low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my