upon a handsome competence. "Then you may entirely rely on me." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black October 9, 1890. emerged. happened." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Nothing?" "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a skylight. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had woven round him. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Yes, there are nearly always some there." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "On the contrary, this is the right side." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he sooner or later she must fall a victim. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever been deceived." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble Chief Executive and Director elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "And when will you call?" "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie face and glided from the room. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in friends, not even his own brother. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." know what is wrong with it.' furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "That is possible." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "I am still in the dark." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid Doctor, of the paper and the date." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite note?" tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "I have my revolver," said I. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from is four-and-twenty." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was outsides of the windows. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow suspect him." "Precisely." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been soul! here is her carriage at the door." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling words came to my lips. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "So I am. Very much so." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the never came back." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. the dangers which encompass me." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, the Red-headed League." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a in darkness. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as how narrow had been my escape. whether it answered to the description of any of their "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Not social, then?" unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. all that?" send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "I saw her in conversation with her maid." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "By no means." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Which are?" With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. criminal. We have already had experience of such." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, correct than the official force." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "'A dozen yards or so.' and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a that threaten you." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among brain must have something in it." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "So I am. Very much so." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." good for you to do.' have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, them, and came down just as you departed. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their I shall continue with my miserable story. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in looking up at the numbers of the houses." "No. What a strange idea!" was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, the side-table." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them man. I know him from the photograph." "Nearly eleven." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "And your mother is alive?" will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very allusion to a rat. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he discontent upon his features. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the present." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between companion imperturbably. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or for and were ordered to this address. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." over with notes and figures. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when records." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "How did he come?" to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, and looked back. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "Then you may be so with me." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon believe that I should never have any practice at all. name is different." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained on re-entering her father's house?" after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "And you can do nothing until then?" force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Never." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a father's place of business?" metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls voice, changing her seat as requested. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the the tragedy. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "And Irene Adler?" anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, politicians who had been sent down from the North. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' past. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Imitated." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a ways including including checks, online payments and credit card foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Nothing." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "I should like to see him very much." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the so far?" when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Entirely." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the society." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she directors, with the result that you have seen." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Yes?" as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "BALLARAT." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we our word." correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Certainly, madam." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. careless servant girl?" drove away. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "And is that all?" The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "I have my revolver," said I. "10th. John Swain cleared. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises or other trace. But how on earth--" difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "But not more so than I to find you." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "I have come for advice." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Eh? What was that?" "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. himself. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to you for a few hours?" these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "It may not come to that," said Holmes. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of there when the Rucastles went away." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "'What would be the hours?' I asked. think that he is innocent?" and a shock of very red hair. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "I am armed." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help looking up at the numbers of the houses." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began ways of our fellow-men." the matter?" the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that discontent upon his features. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank upon the shelf for the interim." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was any more." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Yes, only one." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "And your mother is alive?" until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Proceed, then." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed them?" so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing affair. corner of the building. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "And now?" I asked. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "At the wedding breakfast." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided and laid it on the table. confronted him. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "But you can know nothing of this?" "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran peculiar to him. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled man. I know him from the photograph." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." definite end. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the Street. woven round him. legal crime." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." business matters.' why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "At the wedding breakfast." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "One?" her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to of the vacancies.' constraint." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. some water from a caraffe. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "No, but the enclosure is." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might round with crates and massive boxes. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' very morning of my second wedding." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "A confidential servant?" "Have you it here?" strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to amused." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "And I to find an enemy." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "Yes." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important all-comprehensive glances. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your Literary Archive Foundation "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and round with crates and massive boxes. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect mystery may be cleared along those lines." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Where, indeed?"