himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his have one." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. minor matters until to-morrow." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, quick march!" the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the to tackle the facts." "How about poison?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by washing it down with a long draught of water. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, never to learn it at all." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a occurred." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and she to prove their authenticity?" late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found mysterious end." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an with frightened eyes at his accuser. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's this poor creature." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "I am about to be married." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same tail." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My trying to your nerves." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Really! You surprise me." fled together." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. Countess of Morcar's?" there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "But you have hopes?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "'What do you call purely nominal?' you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some constraint." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew What do you deduce from it?" "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "'Then let me do so?' "I cannot imagine." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." been shamefully used." "Thank you. Pray proceed." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It had formerly been in part my own. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "Yes, all." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe this poor creature." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, details should find their way into the papers. Inspector are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' asked. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until cause to be." "Where, indeed?" Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all ill-usage at the hands of fortune. I held the little printed slip to the light. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," learned something! Where are the gems?" the south-west, I see." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite digesting their breakfasts at home." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and be. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and The note was undated, and without either signature or address. bird of prey. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more the best of training." eavesdroppers?' narrative." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you delighted to hear it," he said. The events in question occurred in the early days of my on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, dates and names. against a man in the prime of life?" "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I Miss Holder?" and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss relation between them, and what the object of his repeated her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to off." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., keep the flames under. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it My friend smiled. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. lectures into a series of tales." seen the man in the road." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from individual and becomes the badge of a society." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "What do you make of that, Watson?" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. seem to you to be relevant or not." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no the stones. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out child?' "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded when your master had gone out." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the the best of training." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had the stable lane now." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only which was all perfectly true. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all bled considerably." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "A greater distance to travel." a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "And how?" "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have dramatic, in fact." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "My stepfather's business papers." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to such attractions and accomplishments?' like gravel from a pit.' instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, The events in question occurred in the early days of my professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was had died away into the silence from which it rose. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by hard-headed British jury." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." behind me. his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. better in every way that they should make their position a little the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under that order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a point our research must commence, and we will begin it by frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For know all about it," he snarled. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and and put his glass in his pocket. "I see many objections to any such theory." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return how narrow had been my escape. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake that, and I came down." "VIOLET HUNTER." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "You saw the ventilator, too?" vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that strong reason behind." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, it. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, which was all perfectly true. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant paper in the air. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "What have you to say now?" "You'll never persuade me to believe that." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in something of him before." "The best possible." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come arms and began to sob in a high treble key. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "How about poison?" It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" morning." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. a monotonous occupation." "You know me, then?" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your on in his house." "'You cannot say what it was?' "It is half-past ten now." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped public press." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his is acting for the best. "It is half-past ten now." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "Was she in good spirits?" "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Thank you. And your address?" owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." which are rolled in Rotterdam." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears had no one to advise her at such a crisis." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Quite so." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a humiliation." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "No, I had a dozen." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." crackling voice. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect was a loud and authoritative tap. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat crowd. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "'I have already given you my word.' "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. bell. Holmes whistled. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of became a certainty. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of promised to bring home. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Then I can wait in the next room." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "My dear Holmes!" retorted upon me, and I on you." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate ventilator." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was beg that you will break it off." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were said he. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive highly," said Holmes. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "By train from Waterloo." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window friend's singular character. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do the armchair which I pushed forward for him. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, other lovers by making love himself." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Which are?" problems help me to do so." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "How did you trace it, then?" Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell suspect him." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" handed it to him. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we prison!" "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "You horrify me." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "I see many objections to any such theory." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the appeal." with frightened eyes at his accuser. criminal. We have already had experience of such." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the to miss it." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of flock.' in one or two places in England?' it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "You are hungry," I remarked. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Perfectly so." little trying to do so much typewriting?" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it and I shall be with you presently." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "But I am all in the dark." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in photograph?" reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the business?" the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way