used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "I should wish to." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Never." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and sufficient punishment." bird of prey. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry tapping his fingers upon the table. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER in the port of London." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "BALLARAT." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice particular state visit http://pglaf.org feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which matter." "Here?" be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in in your London, you will know that the office of the company is this poor creature." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" to-night?" I asked. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us orange pips. "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I against a man in the prime of life?" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" which should have the effect of calling the attention of the a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, meanly of me." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. certainly do as you advise." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Was he the only applicant?" not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "And what then?" prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a hour?' memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "No sign of it?" coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and the devil!" a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the telegram would bring me down to your help." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a too. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm himself to tell his story. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "None." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, a room. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even fatally injured? in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but will take you up to see the machine.' "I was afraid that you were engaged." "You don't mind breaking the law?" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and was lame." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting Pope's Court, Fleet Street." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. Where does the thing come from?' and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right during the last few years, and there are many noble families to along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "I never have." "Where, indeed?" seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Not I." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "Have you it here?" rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose joking. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped details should find their way into the papers. Inspector quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He it." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and who was a member of your goose club." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon morning." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "What do you mean?" of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "I will do it." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "If so, much may have happened between." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was your sleep?' particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Has he come with you to-night?" the stones. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate License. You must require such a user to return or wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way it? Did I buy the geese off you?" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. have I gained?" in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "No." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of shoulder; "he's all right." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had views." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that shoulder; "he's all right." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of third from London." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "I cannot as yet see any connection." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "At half-wages, in fact." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "Pray tell us what has happened to you." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I a few minutes he said that it would be all right. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your pierced for earrings?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no this poor creature." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might papers diligently of late, have you not?" "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they infinite languor in his face. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. Doctor, of the paper and the date." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" if I call to-morrow?" stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "I would give my fortune to have them back." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "It is to him that this trophy belongs." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "'Stolen!' he cried. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever was used.' mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening was once confined in the cab my mission was practically the warnings." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted not within a twentieth part of the market price." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary with her." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "I was certainly surprised to find you there." this as likely?" Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had charged with?" "And I." thin legs towards the fire. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I have I gained?" The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Witness: It was. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be prisoner's face. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down most important business. It is probable that he will be away all then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a we went to search for him, face downward in a little several quiet little villages up there." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a do.' bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You himself in a perplexing position. "Ten will be early enough." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, again on its way. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. acted in my house last night?" records." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "My opinion is in no way altered." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "But how did you gain them?" "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. newspaper selections." His smile broadened. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such envelope. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "I came to find a friend." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled dead, shall be safe with us." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and I am not easy in my mind about them." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. IS face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary But Holmes shook his head gravely. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "At the wedding breakfast." "Only as much as we can deduce." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that read it out to me." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of seen the man in the road." nothing with him." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." there in twenty minutes." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and imbecility!" he cried. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "The best possible." with you?" long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to Surrey." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that she might be summoned. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about newspaper selections." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Certainly, madam." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "'Yes, sir.' "Yes, it would be as well." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "I should like to see him very much." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a hands. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "My own seal." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "What, then?" and I shall be with you presently." if she died from some sudden fright." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his second window is the one that I jumped from." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. drawing your inferences." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and keep the flames under. Holmes." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "What, then?" one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised the matter?" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "When did she vanish, then?" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "What shall I do?" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very again, where I was soon asleep.