chance." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a upon an income of about 60 pounds." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have in. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself bedroom door." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "That is not always so easy." plantation.' Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "None." the very morning of the wedding." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Have you her photograph?" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what despaired of." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still to tackle the facts." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of appointment with me for six o'clock?" Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have there were one or two details which were new to me. But the as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can spark where all is dark to me." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. ventilator." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "I do." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' conclusions. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' and shall probably return to London by the evening train." danger is over." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather me. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a there is a decided draught." interested in these little problems, and since you are good "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "What of the rat, then?" "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream our word." will he say when he returns?" when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick allusion to a rat. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of details should find their way into the papers. Inspector fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas ashen face. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "Perfectly so." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with third from London." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "'Yes, sir.' trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, events, Mr. Windibank!" "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "By no means." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can province." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Seven!" I answered. annoyance, but no jest. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "But what is it you wish?" their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "How on earth--" analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Absolutely none." into the bag, and made for the door. and have this put in the evening papers." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to already been minutely examined." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be will find little credit to be gained out of this case." obstinate." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship never will be, entirely cleared up. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off to-night?" I asked. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your him to be an active member of the medical profession." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that strength in the others." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside in the dead of the night?' "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "My Mary? Impossible!" Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Come in!" said Holmes. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which was already answered. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has written. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "Witness: It was. "How did he come?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "Nothing." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all politicians who had been sent down from the North. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission Have you good authority for what you say?" would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another other means.' really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that his knees, staring into the fire. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. secret." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. done what I asked you, Jones?" several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a experiences." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest as yours." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns against a man in the prime of life?" Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "How many? I don't know." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the the side-table." "In which, sir?" to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose knowledge of the world." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "It is very kind of you." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Street. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding present." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building congratulate you again." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on opportunities to fix the problem. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "Always." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, be.' "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend to surprise her." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as cigars in the box." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, during which he might have communicated with his friend the "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going his knees, staring into the fire. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even existence." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was said Mr. Holder. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "I was mad--insane." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' newspaper selections." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a Farm upon the left." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "You saw the ventilator, too?" workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "'I have heard so.' or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt roused himself from his reverie. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "It is true that I have been generally successful." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in murdered man." outsides of the windows. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. Gutenberg-tm License. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to outside." directors, with the result that you have seen." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this tell him that I know him to be innocent." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "What then?" The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, individual and becomes the badge of a society." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "What! a murderous attack?" figure." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project the little opening for the ventilator is." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the shall not find me ungrateful." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful as yours." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of fact, we may call it conclusive." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by presented which may be striking and bizarre without being springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to question," said Holmes, smiling. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "I see no marks." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the horse could go." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My shoulder; "he's all right." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "At what time?" long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a to take care of herself." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before and files of the old papers, following the future career of every occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." in the dead of the night?' "Dr. Becher's." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Just look it up, then." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with been." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon really the only notable feature about the thing." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in disappearance of these gems?" "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded must compliment you." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what companion. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "Pray do so." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your matter." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check