"Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips true." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my beg that you will break it off." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Was your sister dressed?" down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "'Then let me do so?' 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Dark enough and sinister enough." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "It is possible." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the pressing in one house as in another. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me business?" "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Married! When?" The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed such person." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the his cane at the bell-pull. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "I have hopes." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Will you go?" spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "She walked into the breakfast-room." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did that you wished to speak to me?' "What! You do not mean bodies?" Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Precisely so. But how--" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, status with the IRS. stalked out of the room. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "You horrify me." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "What will you do, then?" one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with His smile broadened. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "So I am. Very much so." meant." him and tried to hold him back. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question the coroner come to?" with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. knowledge of the world." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "I never have." 'please.'" here." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to wife's character?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is character. License. You must require such a user to return or sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what come either from the window or the door. My attention was It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing views." death." me where it went to?" furiously. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, my friend's incisive reasoning. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of business in the City. She little knew what. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Nothing." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "He disappeared so suddenly." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. once more to my work. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the lumber-room." affair. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "I think that I had better go, Holmes." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "I cannot tell." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "You have but to name it." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." young Openshaw's." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This bell. Holmes whistled. breakfast?" refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." said he. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector reach." salesman. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke sneer upon his pale face. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Entirely." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day residence of the great financier. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I and put his glass in his pocket. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very and the colonel ushered me in. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of kindly on the shoulder. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you works. See paragraph 1.E below. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was tear off another piece?' my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "I never have." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute would apply.' without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though http://gutenberg.net/license). It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always danger is over." everything which you would wish to know." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." delirious. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches one of the states of the Union." "But not more so than I to find you." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock along the entire front of the house, with three long windows though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" outbreak?" stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was points to suicide?" expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning tail." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper fait accompli?" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the brought there to personate someone, and the real person is a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man be.' the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Yes. He waved his hands." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "We have tried and failed." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." the so-precious time, but come!' The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, there when the Rucastles went away." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a entirely lost his self-respect." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." read it out to me." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal round with crates and massive boxes. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the go from here to the Strand." during which he might have communicated with his friend the floor. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly cigars in their mouths. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "The landlord of the Alpha." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of enter Dr. Roylott's room." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the started for the Temple to see my husband. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "That is unusual in a young girl." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. your only hope of safety." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may meanly of me." "That sounds a little paradoxical." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a the one as in the other." "No." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "My dear Holmes!" the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson not personally threatened." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." Arthur Conan Doyle the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a that I may have something better before very many minutes are someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis visitors." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. his fortune, and I went back to pa. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet galvanised. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly redistribution. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "'Most admirably.' either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. closely." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "'How far from the body?' you came in." his grey eyes. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "'A dozen yards or so.' served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand from the brougham. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My affection." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up said I. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little other, as fresh and trim as possible. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who neither fascinating nor artistic." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it singular points about the case. What did the police think of the conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "I will not look." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "'Never.' call you and give you the chance." hopeless attempt at recovering them." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." fluttered off among the others. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my