rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "Always." were wasted." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. the morning and make my own way in the world.' Lestrade of Scotland Yard." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek since then to throw any light upon what became of him." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of hopeless attempt at recovering them." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a some water from a caraffe. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a likely to be some crony of the landlady's." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to what these perils are?" annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The girl said." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in will he say when he returns?" "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from power." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Whose house is it?" do you make of it all?" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Precisely." never will be, entirely cleared up. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "You did not overhear what they said?" it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as tear off another piece?' Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. Lee, in the county of Kent." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she comes from the middle window." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography if she died from some sudden fright." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "Yes, from Horsham." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east subject to the trademark license, especially commercial France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it hour?' "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "'Then let me do so?' vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. writing, and yet I know it well." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "Yes. He waved his hands." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, troubles have been weighing upon his mind. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made troubles have been weighing upon his mind. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this Chief Executive and Director shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it think, you have already met." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Pray do so." "You think that he is dead?" States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and astonishment. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, go from here to the Strand." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in make me his representative both with the servants and with the DAMAGE. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek the so-precious time, but come!' floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Never to return." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs address. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Pray tell us what has happened to you." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Yes, it would be as well." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who subject to the trademark license, especially commercial luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Yes, he did." existence." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the were wasted." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of emerged. "We must have a cab." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "An accident, I presume?" 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in and put his glass in his pocket. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock to arrive at through this?" although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "And how did you verify them?" surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but http://www.gutenberg.net go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Stoke Moran?" said he. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a fat-encircled eyes. forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "None. Neville wrote those words." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "You are certainly joking, Holmes." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Ample." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Was the window open?" dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "Was there a secret marriage?" "And now?" He raised his hand. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager States. "'What do you call purely nominal?' have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present but preventing her from injuring another. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on lamp in his hand. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "I cannot say that I have." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a direction." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post and your relations to her." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Could he throw no light?" three fields round his house, and there he would take his fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "One horse?" interjected Holmes. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was manager. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "I should like to see him very much." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "No, finished." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage really the only notable feature about the thing." "Absolutely none." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "I have my revolver," said I. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the go back?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her at a side door. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Pray do so." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight you." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "At the wedding breakfast." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "I say it is." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with to arrive at through this?" "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the writer." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper writing, and yet I know it well." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" detective. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "You are hungry," I remarked. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. again, where I was soon asleep. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' married her." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Absolutely none." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who empty. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "And who is her maid?" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt Countess of Morcar's?" protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf house for five minutes.' Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic It was close upon four before the door opened, and a untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding anything to do with the matter?" "It's nothing of the kind." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. about here speaks of his kindness to him." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," know all about it," he snarled. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an your troubles." "But we can't all be." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the of this gang." six. Come in!" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Won't it ring?" "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have really the only notable feature about the thing." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have where Mr. Fordham shows you.' Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were thirty. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his upon a handsome competence. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. other lovers by making love himself." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "You are all wrong." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that Pool. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with already referred to. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the your only hope of safety." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "That is not always so easy." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the License. You must require such a user to return or Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, weapon." friends, not even his own brother. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the following enigmatical notices: "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "None." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never Eyford at 11:15.' stood on the top of it. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of Countess of Morcar's?" "What! Had he lost his wife?" shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, forehead. "No." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began