me where it went to?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "In what way?" asked Holmes. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the frequently gained my first real insight into the character of King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, with her." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill desk. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' murdered man." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Seven!" I answered. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Quite so." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. undoubtedly my uncle's." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will Street. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I husband's writing, madam." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some tapping his fingers upon the table. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Seven!" I answered. "He said too much." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her the devil!" practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. him to be an active member of the medical profession." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "And you thought he was pulled back?" "'Entirely.' dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." that threaten you." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "I should like to see him very much." "Yes." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very crowd. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view his wife has ceased to love him." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his carried out of court." "No." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he point in the dark hollow of his hand. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." to a more successful conclusion." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Did your wife hear all this?" "You have but to name it." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties without a word or a look. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "But what is it you wish?" business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "What are they?" Sholtos." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though remarked. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that of note-paper. It read in this fashion: in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I to change my dress. "Certainly." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came only touch the interest." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' some water from a caraffe. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of to talk it over. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together the address that was given us in the advertisement. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Imitated." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a British peeress.'" mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward once more to my work. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is the devil!" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "The doctor?" "Ample." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, is worth.' and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." yards of it?' but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet of the efforts of the United States government and of the better rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "I cannot think." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do society." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "I would give my fortune to have them back." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, Have you good authority for what you say?" one or two very singular points about this room. For example, corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with manager. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES get the tickets." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "That also I could fathom." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have thirty. "Yes." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Yes, he did." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "A confidential servant?" rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, sofa. This way, please!" her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the shadow pass over his face as I spoke. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I Eyford." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "And you can do nothing until then?" purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk outbreak?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a been lifted and conveyed somewhere." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the depend upon my doing so.' events than those which have happened in my own family." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits always that they were such commands as a lady might with feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" fish-monger and a tide-waiter." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to new duties?' slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with because she had spent so short a time in this country that she the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the be there in time for your coming." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "'Which dealer's?' He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "'Ten to two.' "On Monday." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. held up the lantern and gazed about him. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. sofa. This way, please!" it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "No, thank goodness, she did not." enter Dr. Roylott's room." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free shaken than I had ever seen him. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "I am sure." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "And did you observe any change in her then?" my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in to you." to arrive at through this?" said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily sooner or later she must fall a victim. goes." "Can I be of assistance?" perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and the ceiling. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "My Mary? Impossible!" believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, very old mansion. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. that, and I came down." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary Cross for the Continent." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at weary and pale-looking. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "And what then?" never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been voice, changing her seat as requested. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. that Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Yes, but only for you and me." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small when your master had gone out." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Was the window open?" years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "What will you do, then?" handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found nothing with him." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten do.' but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing ashen face. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "It must be recovered." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "The Cedars?" did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a man. I know him from the photograph." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "No." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." You want to know what became of those geese?" Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire manager. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling distance from the station, and there we found the young lady loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "I was afraid that you were engaged." "I am armed." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "'A dozen yards or so.' "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "If I can be of use." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Yes." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was a little more before I quite committed myself. chambers. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." sound at heart." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "Did you become engaged then?" "What then?" however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The garden below. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was you in your example." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he more solid." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the at my remark. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "He slept on the premises." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. off." "No, I am descending." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. handed it to him. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "That is easily got." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming correct than the official force." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch