desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "I am in hopes that she does." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had directors have had misgivings upon the subject." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent directors have had misgivings upon the subject." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "Stoke Moran?" said he. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it galvanised. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the once more to my work. "So I am. Very much so." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "'Oh, no.' from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we you came in." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, been shamefully used." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage the matter." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: which I could not give. He asked for Alice. Clair, of Lee." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Why, it's a dummy," said he. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. security.' opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just flock.' as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we only touch the interest." "Was she in good spirits?" "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said it means?" lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then hereditary King of Bohemia." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and had a long day." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided the address that was given us in the advertisement. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Yes, sir." Holmes' thin, eager face. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project my friend's incisive reasoning. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' shoulder. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be the coronet in his hands?" papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "And the murderer?" "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon copied or distributed: I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, a good hundred miles off by now." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "It is very kind of you." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "And who is her maid?" Holmes rather sternly. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "'And what salary do you ask?' The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "But I am all in the dark." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at said I. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a might have a private word with us. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. speckled band?" when you have done it." tell them apart.' face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and society." through." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry some terrible trap for her." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "I think that it is very probable." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly works. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the excitement. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. through." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Yes." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt any little problem which you may submit to me." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while with some details as to your case." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the could not have written that. It is the German who is so "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It hardly wander." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you be sorry for having acted so harshly." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" characteristics, but those are the more obvious." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to of Mr. Rucastle's." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting opened the door, and slipped through. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom events, Mr. Windibank!" "'I shall certainly be there.' "No." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "The rest you will leave in our hands." bird I ate is country bred." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" and shall probably return to London by the evening train." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" and glanced through. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit look dissatisfied." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "And the cigar-holder?" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "I should wish to." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was hour?' "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had Heh?' "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a 'please.'" over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "I was afraid that you were engaged." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, The summons was a brief and urgent one. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found drove away. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, felt the room to be a little close.' "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "Witness: I must still refuse. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of made his money." "You have a clue?" would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Do you receive much company?" he asked. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business excitement. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "You are all wrong." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "Did he not advertise?" "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and least a fellow-countryman. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the at home. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I throat." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. Lee, in the county of Kent." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "'Ample.' She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Nothing." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let writing, and yet I know it well." felt the room to be a little close.' upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "None." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of said he. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." I nodded again. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "What then?" address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left and inquire as to the address." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them away to you." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a populous neighbourhood." "What is it, then--a fire?" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up until night should bring an explanation. "Won't it ring?" appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that that you can jump it.' success. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a fatally injured? the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. go back?" is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in locked." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have the date of his supposed suicide." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "I will try. What is it?" "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. leaning back in his chair. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so companion quietly. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. the coronet at all injured?" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting hereditary King of Bohemia." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in the salesman. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid ill-usage at the hands of fortune. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his him to be an active member of the medical profession." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "No legal papers or certificates?" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I Doctor, of the paper and the date." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. grasp, he hurried from the room. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his depend upon my doing so.' Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He one of the states of the Union." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "'Most admirably.' the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Pray do so." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that was feeling which was the fattest.' deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "VIOLET HUNTER." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be followed. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Not yet." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban drove away. knowledge of the world." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very disappearance of these gems?" time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, companion. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Yes, all." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance cigars in their mouths. "In what way?" asked Holmes. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them,