from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced certainly not very gracious." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his suspect him." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover very peculiar words of the dying woman?" battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this believe that I should never have any practice at all. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was purpose equally well?" the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here Does that suggest anything?" His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "It certainly sounds feasible." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had I held the little printed slip to the light. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I presented more singular features than that which was associated the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name been able to understand it, in a very few words. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, point our research must commence, and we will begin it by when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank What do you deduce from it?" The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down go--none." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the suddenly upon us." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Not him." outside." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I have an American origin." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits morning." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less advice." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely hopeless attempt at recovering them." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "None." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we meanly of me." be best to do. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a article?" do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "If so, much may have happened between." "'Never,' said I. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "But his lameness?" walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who a few minutes he said that it would be all right. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a sofa. This way, please!" the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "It is very clear." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Certainly, madam." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I ventilator." certainly not very gracious." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and and your relations to her." appointment with me for six o'clock?" "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. spark where all is dark to me." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend strong and stiff." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Bought." "No, I think that I'll take it." "Game for a morning drive?" in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker went to the Alpha were town bred." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "But how will you look?" general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they bell. Holmes whistled. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but place of silver." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE about here speaks of his kindness to him." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "But I have heard all that you have heard." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Yes?" appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned has little to do with my story." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George later, upon the night of May 2nd." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "So I have heard." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Quite so. She has her freedom." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "My dear Holmes!" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "She told me to ask you." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, this poor creature." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "I will try. What is it?" warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his ready to-morrow?' in this way: he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "VIOLET HUNTER." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "I cannot tell." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial You can understand that this register and diary may implicate and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Whose house is it?" sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, States. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely the house with me." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Yes, only one." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I burst into a hearty fit of laughter. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "That you are never beaten." "I was afraid that you were engaged." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which writing, and yet I know it well." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Certainly." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "'Stolen!' he cried. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the green of the new foliage. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was of the efforts of the United States government and of the better great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the Farm upon the left." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "ARAT," I read. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, unkempt, staring out at me. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, whereabouts. Edgeware Road. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow to have been novel and of interest." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the upon a handsome competence. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled Holmes' thin, eager face. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked you understand?" never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed feature." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from your room." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had very peculiar words of the dying woman?" signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the dates and names. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." with you?" The police have openly confessed that they can at present make caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened disturbance in my wife." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some breakfast and whispered something to her husband. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Then I can wait in the next room." Henry Baker is a member." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the your own bird, so if you wish--" you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the call for it in person on Monday morning.' awaited us upon the table. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the memory. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in the side-table." "I answered that I had not. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Where, then?" side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "The vanishing of the lady." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the right! Sit down and let us talk it over." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other nice household for a young lady." Clair, of Lee." "Dark enough and sinister enough." "No, distinctly professional." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "He might." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "You have a clue?" his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "It is very clear." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for very morning of my second wedding." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "But his left-handedness." lamp. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I out of this horrible affair." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy cigars in their mouths. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. asked. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is hurried away. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But fact, we may call it conclusive." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Then he might have called to you?" could go. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "This concluded the examination of the witness." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he legal crime." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "You saw the ventilator, too?" from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I chance." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock had this final quarrel? Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and with her." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge the devil!" could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My characteristics, but those are the more obvious." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must feature." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" vault. you in yours." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the in the hope of finding them." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "'Why that?' I asks. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "I say it is." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet you, my dear young lady?' "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "'Yes, I promise.' row." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the success. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your get the tickets." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Come in!" said Holmes. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting that?' man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic floor. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "'Ample.' chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to long narrative. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking