do." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the ceremony." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on such attractions and accomplishments?' in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in business." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "What have you to say now?" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to that there was nothing in it, after all." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Did he not advertise?" "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always absolutely follow my advice in every respect." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. disturbance in my wife." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me business matters.' "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She of this gang." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "That sounds a little paradoxical." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on details." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "My opinion is in no way altered." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Not particularly." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to pictures, libraries, or plate. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of Holmes rather sternly. papers on the sundial.'" take the flies, but not before." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far spare." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the hand, madam?" traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this some mystery and the punishment of some crime." Holmes." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "No, finished." enter into my head. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the views." "Did he not advertise?" gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, shaken than I had ever seen him. "And what then?" "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "What will you do, then?" lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and it were putty." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who more solid." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year excitement. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "My photograph." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in him, that man would not have given me such complete information enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "How about poison?" yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable one which it was hard to resist. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Is he quiet?" conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "On Monday." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." Street. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the that, and I came down." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' into the room. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for your billet.' knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out introspective fashion. touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. certainly do as you advise." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were disappearance of the bride.'" tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey business came to an end." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Yes, sir." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "No." front of me. "It missed him, then?" next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "It is his hat." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, country, and eventually married, without anyone having a way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that sooner or later she must fall a victim. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Proceed, then." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what towards the blaze. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not in your London, you will know that the office of the company is dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "On the contrary, this is the right side." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case tell me that you intended to go into harness." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to go back?" said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even on re-entering her father's house?" "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility present strange and interesting features that it is no easy other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to humiliation." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "Where, indeed?" have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of more solid." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if sooner or later she must fall a victim. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "'Why that?' I asks. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and chill to my heart. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his hereditary King of Bohemia." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, to tell." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, formed some opinion?" madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' peculiar to him. one of them." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate fire. You quite follow me?" carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "He is still with you, I presume?" "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "So I am. Very much so." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and You can understand that this register and diary may implicate madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said tension within him. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of which was all perfectly true. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us fat-encircled eyes. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been present." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. tell him that I know him to be innocent." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. with her." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "What! Had he lost his wife?" flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "He said too much." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "You have carte blanche." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Of what day?" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "'About the same.' thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the writing, and yet I know it well." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." from you?" the one as in the other." out." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" papers diligently of late, have you not?" "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "In answer to an advertisement." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an nights." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "To the police?" "Not in the least." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Your sister is dead, then?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the long narrative. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect triumphant cloud from his cigarette. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, his face which made him a very different person to the round, arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich way in." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads crackling voice. soul! here is her carriage at the door." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was character. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "And how have you succeeded?" astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "You think so, too?" him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing which was all perfectly true. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads footfalls from the street. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "In heaven's name, what for?" occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that own family. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my closely." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Nothing?" was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." 1.E.9. this remarkable episode. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project constraint." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "None." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "What will you say?" in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. that you saw all that I did." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have had formerly been in part my own. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "How can you tell that?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." was it brought him the coronet? tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect fasten all the windows?" that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. way: "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting Mary, has deserted me." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in appointment with me for six o'clock?" "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "No, my brougham is waiting." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "What will you say?" "I was afraid that you were engaged." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "And you thought he was pulled back?" the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots business." keep the flames under. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Then I can wait in the next room." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how Chief Executive and Director "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly outside. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "But how?" "That is easily got." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure time." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, his forehead." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you The police have openly confessed that they can at present make admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the strength." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I