"That's no good." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "Did your wife hear all this?" charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child evidence," I remarked. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the three fields round his house, and there he would take his rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "You have but to name it." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a my room." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying begin with, and I had not got mine yet." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "'What, the red-headed man?' had this final quarrel? request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking four million human beings all jostling each other within the silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, main points of my analysis." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce constraint." nights." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, occurred." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of a good hundred miles off by now." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "'And what are they worth?' I asked. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One to go into your room and bar your shutters?" thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. fashion which was peculiar to him. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "I should be immensely obliged to you." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "No." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the yet." and capable of preserving a secret.' coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one ago." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." page at http://pglaf.org "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was are windows in it, of course?" slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for village inn over there?" the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable felt the room to be a little close.' from the brougham. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my joking. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "So it appears." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Was he the only applicant?" "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt been anything against him. He had for years been known as a from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that conversation I have gathered that they have been married about tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the to change my dress. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "I beg pardon." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the said he. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid it." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the spark where all is dark to me." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Yes." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "I should wish to." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror back to my heart. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "The Coroner: What do you mean? eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his new acquaintance to Baker Street. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Yes." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had whatever might befall. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. results." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United washing it down with a long draught of water. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the there has been an enclosure here!" as yours." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me strong and stiff." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Why? What do you mean?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he despaired of." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was key turn in the lock." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by problems help me to do so." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" out of this horrible affair." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "None. Neville wrote those words." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of death." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "You think so, too?" society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "I shall most certainly do so." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is drawing your inferences." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he cause to be." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the will take you up to see the machine.' not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, thin legs towards the fire. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "'Ample.' unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There 11:15.' he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after habit of advancing money.' at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an until night should bring an explanation. a suggestive one." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Entirely." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying once more on the important position which you have been fortunate words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where you." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Dr. Gregory B. Newby if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to a few minutes he said that it would be all right. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner him!" were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "What of the rat, then?" people don't know." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in the King without delay." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Does that suggest anything?" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and directors have had misgivings upon the subject." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one do you make of it all?" that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from strong and stiff." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted any more." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "No. What a strange idea!" occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. II. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the himself to hunt down. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey conclusions. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to Sutherland?" last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made disappearance of these gems?" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' 1.F. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an ways including including checks, online payments and credit card Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from conclusions. "But to whom?" of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who joking. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our delighted to hear it," he said. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and know that the truth is known." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one and looked back. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs to take care of herself." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "What can you not understand?" probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." hereditary King of Bohemia." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Stolen." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "You don't mind breaking the law?" on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an what these perils are?" told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements morning." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain other, as fresh and trim as possible. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Of Friday, June 19th." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." gigantic client. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would http://gutenberg.net/license). "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention Project Gutenberg-tm works. bedroom door." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help during which he might have communicated with his friend the that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence will he say when he returns?" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, character. written, and locked the door of the office after me. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "Did you become engaged then?" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed and no precautions can guard against." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great Henry Baker is a member." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say characteristics, but those are the more obvious." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull morning." "I would pay ten." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. you want, then?' said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular pound a week." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' coroner's jury." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it go from here to the Strand." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in of campaign. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use yards of it?' "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "No, I had a dozen." your sleep?' quickly through a disagreeable task. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of desk.