"Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a our word." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two assist you in forming an opinion." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have that threaten you." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said were unconscious?" rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present to change my dress. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the excitement. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away must be when I saw the door open.' you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he said he. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I Holmes. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Then I am your man." wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the straighten it?" his eyes and forehead. "They are typewritten," I remarked. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, II. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking row." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Oh, yes, easily." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside I am not easy in my mind about them." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a public press." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." father's young wife. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some records." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The him." "Quite so. She has her freedom." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "And your father? Did you tell him?" "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "How did that help you?" didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of your billet.' and files of the old papers, following the future career of every before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "Not him." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and a very grave face. to tell." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was strength of mind to control. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, child?' introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I geese which you supplied to the Alpha." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Was your sister dressed?" "Very truly yours, prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him ventilator." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "But you would not advise me to refuse?" with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "When did she vanish, then?" o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR as he folded up the epistle. "'Which dealer's?' the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you points to suicide?" "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Where, then, is my wife?" in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "No?" "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or exactly what you advise." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, gbnewby@pglaf.org lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if as he folded up the epistle. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I this man was intellectual?" however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "That is easily got." "In which, sir?" "10th. John Swain cleared. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in fluttered off among the others. papers on the sundial.'" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." upon a handsome competence. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little late!' that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, guilty parties." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to charge against him will break down." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "And now?" I asked. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very is entirely a question of barometric pressure." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant my friend's incisive reasoning. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that this unhappy family?" as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "And how have you succeeded?" young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Imitated." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Pray do so." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who then?" "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and meanly of me." occurred." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the secret." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet kind enough to tell me what I should do." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "Of Friday, June 19th." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "Ha! you find it so?" the roots. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very in his power. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was leaning back in his chair. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "I was afraid that you were engaged." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of coroner's jury." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my go from here to the Strand." enough to aid us in our search." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple fat-encircled eyes. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, heavily into it. then?" opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a was it brought him the coronet? "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." good for you to do.' What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him matter." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that Sholtos." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out hurried by. "Pray do so." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my disturbance in my wife." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that front of me. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Well, it is a possible supposition." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "In which, sir?" come either from the window or the door. My attention was was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "My private note-paper." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to what do you think they found in the pockets?" at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is our word." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "The best possible." License. You must require such a user to return or case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Not in a good cause." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that think that he is innocent?" horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Entirely." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to key turn in the lock." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of security.' son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of official police." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "We must sit without light. He would see it through the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set to-night?' miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was important." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see in a very precise fashion." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We jewels which you have stolen?' was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "If so, much may have happened between." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was could not account in any way for the presence of the missing action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "He is still with you, I presume?" comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at Pope's Court. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house three of the beryls in it, was missing. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." voice, changing her seat as requested. be best to do. "Then I shall certainly come." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of disappearance of the bride.'" his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "My Mary? Impossible!" "That is also quite modern," said the lady. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your *** START: FULL LICENSE *** the bed, and you in that chair." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "I have solved it." DISSOLVED. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left served to weaken the effect. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an hereditary King of Bohemia." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "It is very kind of you." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "What will you do, then?" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Nearly eleven." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "The best possible." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "I am in hopes that she does." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Perfectly so." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Nothing." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" tightly behind him. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "'Which dealer's?' What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin Miss Holder?" the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his been with you?" "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Ample." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Then you may entirely rely on me." the Red-headed League." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the your Highness to the police-station?" in darkness. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "The landlord of the Alpha." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, your own bird, so if you wish--" Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the one else, I think." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "'And the work?' "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few undoubtedly my uncle's." of the vacancies.' "Yes, all." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Have you her photograph?" out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, own family. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and evidence," I remarked. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Dirty?" "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "But I have heard all that you have heard." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his