in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Will you go?" Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "No, my brougham is waiting." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Oh, yes, easily." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a Again Holmes raved in the air. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "But it has twice been burgled." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a His name is Francis Prosper." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there what is your own theory as to what took place?" practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his exactly what you advise." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "No legal papers or certificates?" eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "'Quite sure, dad.' "A greater distance to travel." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has burst into a hearty fit of laughter. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "To an end?" "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which crime." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of that he will be back before evening." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "My dear Holmes!" of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "What office?" petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "What is it?" green of the new foliage. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in prove to be little relation between the different incidents of wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my where she found matters as described by the last witness. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his 11:15.' We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "No sign of it?" characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no very morning of my second wedding." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, your most interesting statement." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its will he say when he returns?" something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else the bed, and you in that chair." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "In heaven's name, what for?" wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." London for the present?" anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room be.' somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal to some other building. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H nonsense.' of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the instituted." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate forehead. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very I have it here in my museum." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his characteristics, but those are the more obvious." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had with frightened eyes at his accuser. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "I am in hopes that she does." upon a handsome competence. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Nothing?" slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "And on what day did he meet his death?" success. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. This is what he says: "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without any." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel my friend's incisive reasoning. the very morning of the wedding." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One few hundred pounds.' has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the be.' part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a your billet.' fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Where does the thing come from?' pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Eh? What was that?" "'No, I know no one in these parts.' here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" business at Coburg Square is serious." "Certainly." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. which we had just quitted. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass his face which made him a very different person to the round, in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable that you can jump it.' is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "Not in a good cause." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "It is possible." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. despaired of." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "'I have heard so.' Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he constraint." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been could gather together that I was able to avert another public http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow Count Von Kramm." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "I say that I have solved it." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' ill-usage at the hands of fortune. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Of Friday, June 19th." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, matter." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter know all about it," he snarled. "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, sparkled upon his finger. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right indeed happy." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. your co-operation." "Yes." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: me have 200 pounds?' as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my your co-operation." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Will you bet, then?" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "You don't mind breaking the law?" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. I nodded to show that I had heard. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in Where does the thing come from?' one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "My photograph." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw bill, which interests me deeply." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get anything to a woman, for she would have her way." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than was the fact that his father should, according to his account, collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "What I expected to see." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she felt?" "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands I shall continue with my miserable story. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some Lestrade of Scotland Yard." nonsense.' all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "But she could not love him." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the sufficient punishment." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Then I shall certainly come." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the away to you." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "You have but to name it." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Come in!" said he. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without business matters.' "Will you bet, then?" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? strength." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Very murderous indeed." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "I am in hopes that she does." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Was there a secret marriage?" either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Texas, I think." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "I was sure that I might rely on you." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which hour?' have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "But how could you guess what the motive was?" doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she question," said Holmes, smiling. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the should be so warm over such a trifle." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "And from a noble client?" "One?" and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "The King of Scandinavia." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped indeed which he could not unravel. the driver. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an purpose equally well?" course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank your bag." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. as he folded up the epistle. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "What! a murderous attack?" "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "You horrify me!" his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "Witness: Nothing definite. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible hand, madam?" "'Tell me all about it,' said I. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." the coronet in his hand?" whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It be sorry for having acted so harshly." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," death." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Yes." DISSOLVED. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind congenial hunt. one which it was hard to resist. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "My dear Holmes!" suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and over with notes and figures. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. Arthur Conan Doyle give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some later, upon the night of May 2nd." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the society." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed laugh and put his lips to my ear. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "On the contrary, this is the right side." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it country, and eventually married, without anyone having a him nearly every evening." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what