he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. never to learn it at all." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "It is half-past ten now." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" recover the gem." "Eh? What was that?" "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "'I have heard so.' "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this you." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "The knees of his trousers." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more answered with a sidelong glance. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into horse could go." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Yes, he did." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Of what day?" facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself plantation.' "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it the general public were present, then?" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and fuss that is made over them." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for see me here to avoid scandal." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential details should find their way into the papers. Inspector possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her to where he stood hid behind the curtain. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! your equipment. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "No, distinctly professional." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was stalked out of the room. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have during that time.' bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I envelope. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added already referred to. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at already been minutely examined." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. girl said." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Yes." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough some water from a caraffe. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the I approached. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his present." entirely devoid of interest." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "'Yes.' of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, been with you?" "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am at a side door. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of bonnet, and went out." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "How often?" reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together skylight. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. certainly not very gracious." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George villagers almost as much as their master. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much information in his hands the value of which he did not himself from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a DISSOLVED. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a third from London." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in off." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of gbnewby@pglaf.org finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington lamp in his hand. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked tell me that you intended to go into harness." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "No, I think that I'll take it." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "I will, Miss Turner." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me remarked. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and your own bird, so if you wish--" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but of receipt of the work. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from will he say when he returns?" and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I know all about it," he snarled. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "And the cigar-holder?" pity, because in other respects you would really have done very Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name shoulder. out." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my husband's writing, madam." "And how did you find out?" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "This photograph!" bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to I took the paper from him and read as follows: daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would His name is Francis Prosper." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that fashion which was peculiar to him. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of be. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another them, and came down just as you departed. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front perplexity from it to my illustrious client. way in everything. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his friend's singular character. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Dirty?" together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, once more. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or http://gutenberg.net/license). the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "And you don't know his address?" "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some tell me that you intended to go into harness." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down strong reason behind." populous neighbourhood." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "I think that it is very probable." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "BALLARAT." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has Pope's Court. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found true." place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "What then?" "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened dates and names. call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King derbies." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked husband's writing, madam." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" several quiet little villages up there." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said I nodded to show that I had heard. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement breakfast." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "But the mystery?" separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did she might be summoned. in my life." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, entirely lost his self-respect." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly how narrow had been my escape. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled green of the new foliage. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a closing the door. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" into the bag, and made for the door. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly the nursery. "No more words. Get out!" "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate hair?' "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate disappearance of these gems?" notes," he said. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "Yes." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard morning." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with fattened it expressly for you.' that I am arrested." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders said Mr. Holder. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Do you receive much company?" he asked. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and chemical work which was so dear to him. "Look there!" said he. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "What is it?" "'It is locked up,' I answered. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether http://www.gutenberg.net sake, don't!" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He of the one which your family is now devouring." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "That also I could fathom." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." see a sister of mine apply for." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing morning." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, very peculiar words of the dying woman?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I against a man in the prime of life?" "In answer to an advertisement." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand leaning back in his chair. ashen face. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by this Miss Turner." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "'Quite sure, dad.' "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two better in every way that they should make their position a little his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "I think it very unlikely." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Yesterday." main points of my analysis." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "I will get her to show me." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Not him." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the I shall continue with my miserable story. certainly not very gracious." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were may have an influence upon European history." had died away into the silence from which it rose. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "I don't say that. Perhaps." danger is over." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would as the one I chose?' trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always you." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, indeed happy." been deceived." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I