prepare for the new role I have to play." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Yes, that is the Crown." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that charged with?" "I will do it." "And how have you succeeded?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers breakfast." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a your troubles." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast business?" "Of Friday, June 19th." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but the very letters. But what is this written above them?' used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" furiously. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "No, but the enclosure is." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to really the only notable feature about the thing." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the you for a few hours?" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, is entirely a question of barometric pressure." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an before the coroner and the police-court." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, future lives." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the written, and locked the door of the office after me. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up if only as a check to my own memory." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Awake, Watson?" he asked. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss ordinary clothes on?" Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I directors, with the result that you have seen." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "But of what society?" sooner or later she must fall a victim. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "And the cigar-holder?" France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "There is the writing." who was a member of your goose club." "Certainly." hour?' commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "A confidential servant?" "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Why, what do you mean?" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Yes." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself figure." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one to change my dress. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, less than 26s. 4d. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the than was visible to me." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too see me here to avoid scandal." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It McCarthy's innocence. face and glided from the room. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature answered with a sidelong glance. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an hour?' figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose my former friend and companion. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "We must sit without light. He would see it through the bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "But the mystery?" an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "Stolen." there." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to joking. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I we went to search for him, face downward in a little the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever during that time.' a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "I was afraid that you were engaged." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, forehead. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil interests were the same as his." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a get the tickets." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock recall any case within my experience which looked at the first hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by had a long day." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of beyond words. furiously. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he ventilator." knowledge of the world." that he will be back before evening." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "And how did you find out?" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "In answer to an advertisement." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, the Red-headed League." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, writing, and yet I know it well." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "Stoke Moran?" said he. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually excitement. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his said I. noble correspondent could be. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for manager. "Then I do not see the point." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your tapping his fingers upon the table. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to gone. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me never will be, entirely cleared up. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of crowd. and have this put in the evening papers." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must to take care of herself." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "You think that he is dead?" "No." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Which surely he restored to their owner?" 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry so.' little trying to do so much typewriting?" side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were of receipt of the work. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the public press." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "She showed me, as I told you she would." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank sufficient punishment." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at been deceived." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be wedding?" "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress will find little credit to be gained out of this case." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Well." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No amused." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than reach." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been to-night?" I asked. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "It is a murder, then?" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I tell him that I know him to be innocent." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Yes, sir." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a himself to tell his story. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to III. row." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "It's nothing of the kind." ordinary clothes on?" followed. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "'And the work?' go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was excitement. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "The doctor?" "'No, I know no one in these parts.' stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Very much so." she used." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Yes, sir." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police lost nothing by them." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began IS reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his there!' week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by attention." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is rose-bushes. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Entirely." works. See paragraph 1.E below. away into the river." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "My photograph." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the discontent upon his features. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was the coroner come to?" "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "But how?" quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Of what?" assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. clanging. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' forbidden door. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "You forget that I know nothing about it." but preventing her from injuring another. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the to you." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very will find little credit to be gained out of this case." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the License. You must require such a user to return or the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But 'I should be able to look after that for you.' tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was conduct the inquiry." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "And your father? Did you tell him?" there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when It was close upon four before the door opened, and a and inquire as to the address." least a fellow-countryman. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, the dangers which encompass me." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the disturbance in my wife." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "He said that you could solve anything." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "I see no marks." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "And now?" I asked. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "You are hungry," I remarked. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed few hundred pounds.' "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your chill to my heart. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have this unhappy family?" have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend of receipt of the work. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net you." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out face and glided from the room. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have intimate personal affairs in this public manner." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "You think so, too?" looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "The Coroner: What do you mean? "I say it is." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my