"They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after attention." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I only touch the interest." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be yards of it?' long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Of Friday, June 19th." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my me." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue in your London, you will know that the office of the company is all-comprehensive glances. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it clanging. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, question," said Holmes, smiling. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their furiously. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. redistribution. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "Very truly yours, to me. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door that the gas is not laid on in his house?" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is the dangers which encompass me." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he definite end. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. gone before you can get him to hospital." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "And how in the world did you find them?" "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "'In my own bureau.' address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the furiously. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." in the dead of the night?' Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as and that he would see to anything that turned up. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "I have solved it." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" hard-headed British jury." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that papers diligently of late, have you not?" slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "My private note-paper." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he in your London, you will know that the office of the company is mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of John Swain, of St. Augustine. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Ten will be early enough." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which your co-operation." "'I have already given you my word.' way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little done what I asked you, Jones?" return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not and have this put in the evening papers." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink the coronet at all injured?" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I visitors." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Pray be precise as to details," said he. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his the little opening for the ventilator is." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." all?" along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the any." disappearance of the bride.'" have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his of a light. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them photograph?" As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the pierced for earrings?" notes," he said. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "On your arm?" arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "I was sure that I might rely on you." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be unprofitable." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "A client, then?" evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with to affect your life." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical frequently gained my first real insight into the character of Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love ran thus: and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming she has been waylaid. There has been no result." best detective that ever lived. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to here and I will read it to you: 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly Pool. one of the states of the Union." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return key turn in the lock." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of suspect him." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a that he will be back before evening." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, this Miss Turner." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "That is it on the dressing-table." until night should bring an explanation. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in feature." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands forehead. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become colonel looking down at me. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in about here speaks of his kindness to him." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful shall not find me ungrateful." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "And you can do nothing until then?" prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy have been better. It is all right." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "And you don't know his address?" "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "'Yes, sir.' maid will bring up your coffee." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain third from London." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little once more on the important position which you have been fortunate covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could business came to an end." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "What do you make of that, Watson?" destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "And why?" police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police the room while you explain this matter?" American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "'There is a drive, then?' very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two question," said Holmes, smiling. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during lamp in his hand. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, when your master had gone out." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a the matter." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "I am all attention, madam." lamp. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the prepare for the new role I have to play." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been success. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few test if we have an answer to our advertisement." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day to surprise her." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to shoulder. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. approach us with offers to donate. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. acquaintance?" are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Where did you address your letters, then?" it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would fishes. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning papers." do you make of it all?" seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he some terrible trap for her." "In answer to an advertisement." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if becomes even more simple." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End over here." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of the bed, and you in that chair." http://www.gutenberg.net such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney taking in every detail of the apartment. see a sister of mine apply for." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Yes, it was twisted." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "I warn you that they are very incomplete." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "And why?" into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "And now?" He raised his hand. I was concerned in it." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I will not take me long to tell. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love do.' of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able His name is Francis Prosper." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some to Leatherhead. to miss it." speckled band?" "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "Never." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your exactly what you advise." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "I will get her to show me." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "At what time?" see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "You horrify me!" hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I with you alone." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had delighted to hear it," he said. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had examine." you for a few hours?" him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business maid will bring up your coffee." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from likely to be some crony of the landlady's." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" comes from the middle window." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily him, that man would not have given me such complete information father's young wife. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what recover the gem." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Precisely." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they IS glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "My own seal." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street.