"Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "I shall be delighted." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' did not hear it also.' "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but was already answered. "'Very good.' His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held derbies." which was all perfectly true. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit to-night's adventure." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. tell them apart.' leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right silent! Oh, he will be silent!' forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then must be when I saw the door open.' families. Now for the facts. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "No legal papers or certificates?" hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be village inn over there?" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which always that they were such commands as a lady might with both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "I have my revolver," said I. chance at all." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "'Is 4 pounds a week.' propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. your sleep?' once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. again, where I was soon asleep. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "His face fell immediately. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "No." next day. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "No, thank goodness, she did not." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, indeed which he could not unravel. depend upon your compliance." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you correct than the official force." in a very precise fashion." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "'And what are they worth?' I asked. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the girl said." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Yes, they were peculiar boots." the stones. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a vanished into the darkness. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. jewels which you have stolen?' "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Has he come with you to-night?" a very grave face. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of in this note: about. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "'Certainly,' I answered. morning." burst out into a roar of laughter. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "The rest you will leave in our hands." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted crowd. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Watson," he said cordially. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass villagers almost as much as their master. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor husband's writing, madam." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "And what then?" look dissatisfied." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." least a most suspicious remark." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be had this final quarrel? business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "I cannot tell." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "'Certainly not.' to tell." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat heavily into it. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Yes, sir." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in you?" up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an within hail.' upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant meant it for the best. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady the inner apartment." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, there has been an enclosure here!" he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not your equipment. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my in his hands." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This has little to do with my story." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the the ceiling. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually status with the IRS. pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story the salesman. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "How long did she speak to this Alice?" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the Miss Holder?" He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "I don't believe it." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." kindly on the shoulder. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very details." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master would then never go into court at all." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and people don't know." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. the coronet in his hand?" considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "In heaven's name, what for?" such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is derbies." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Get out!" said he. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Yesterday." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how have had none more fantastic than this." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their once more for Briony Lodge. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. shoulder. a monotonous occupation." you came in." "That also I could fathom." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with conclusions. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely anything to do with the matter?" which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon of fine shops and stately business premises that they really not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the with you?" infinite languor in his face. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that digesting their breakfasts at home." colour had been driven from his face. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves important." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided walking." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long my special province." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "What is it, then--a fire?" "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he in his hands." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "How can you tell that?" running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the round with crates and massive boxes. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "'A dozen yards or so.' thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without question. was it brought him the coronet? along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of think that any burglar could have done. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "'What, the red-headed man?' "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. handed it to him. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on ill-usage at the hands of fortune. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a that?' "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "I am armed." into the room. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. secret." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' without a word or a look. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident the running down." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up bell. Holmes whistled. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "I answered that I had not. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to away in different directions, and I went off to make my own opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "Really! You surprise me." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "About a month then." whole matter to your consideration." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." main points of my analysis." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up imbecility!" he cried. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point a few minutes he said that it would be all right. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' this truth that in these little records of our cases which you wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view your only hope of safety." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that from you?" "I shall most certainly do so." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "'About the same.' could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. derbies." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to relation between them, and what the object of his repeated conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." which our visitor detailed to us. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes tear off another piece?' about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in within hail.' "A greater distance to travel." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the soul! here is her carriage at the door." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the now. It seems that there had been some informality about their be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" dates and names. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had villagers almost as much as their master. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not success. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first little adventures." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Why did you pick him?" coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "What of the rat, then?" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her into her hand at the door and which lured her within their suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would true." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our Holmes rather sternly. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you know what is wrong with it.' "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Then I can wait in the next room." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "To ruin me." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT good-night and bustled off upon her way. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "And did you observe any change in her then?" "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I mystery may be cleared along those lines." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to your billet.' the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "She walked into the breakfast-room." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from of your young ladies.' "And sit in the dark?" the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Was your sister dressed?" to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a pound a week." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let people in all walks of life. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his States.