the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Again Holmes raved in the air. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the maiden herself was most instructive." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Where, then, is my wife?" has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet and the whole place is in a blaze." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his skylight. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "But it has twice been burgled." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. had formerly been in part my own. "Yes." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "From his hat?" "Yes, he did." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence during which he might have communicated with his friend the is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this bell. Holmes whistled. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried read it out to me." "But we can't all be." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to some place of shelter and let the county police know what has demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." yet." outside. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "I am to be neutral?" enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Game for a morning drive?" written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different one else, I think." point in the dark hollow of his hand. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "How are you getting on?" the general public were present, then?" "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to papers diligently of late, have you not?" was not a bird to be seen there. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all next day. "Very truly yours, if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it orange pips. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "But she could not love him." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for off." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an indiscretion." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are here and I will read it to you: assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Oh, fresh and glossy." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your pictures, libraries, or plate. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were letters?" signal between you and your father? "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings room?" such person." have I gained?" Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. you." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had be sorry for having acted so harshly." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for burst into a hearty fit of laughter. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." His smile broadened. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when you came in." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night empty. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass what is your own theory as to what took place?" *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** father's place of business?" I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "And I say east," said my patient. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite noise which awoke you from your sleep?" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid Surrey." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Do you know him?" "It is half-past ten now." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a The events in question occurred in the early days of my "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither His name is Francis Prosper." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I was a lad." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter might help us?" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know went to the Alpha were town bred." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in call you and give you the chance." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece once more for Briony Lodge. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have to surprise her." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "No sign of it?" "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either not use it unless it is absolutely needed." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." lumber-room." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are that I may have something better before very many minutes are much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed galvanised. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught whatever might befall. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "'Yes, sir.' but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He to a light-house. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the some water from a caraffe. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not conceal it?" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless Street. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the death." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. him and tried to hold him back. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "And what then?" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A laugh and put his lips to my ear. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife conceal it?" of fine shops and stately business premises that they really the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some always that they were such commands as a lady might with morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "And help." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "In answer to an advertisement." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my now. It seems that there had been some informality about their him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and instituted." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Come in!" said he. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "'Where to?' "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "It missed him, then?" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything one of the states of the Union." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "And for present expenses?" returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "I will try. What is it?" wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of the address that was given us in the advertisement. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me it." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Ten will be early enough." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, absorbing." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil there when the Rucastles went away." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or weigh very heavily upon my conscience." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where Project Gutenberg-tm works. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "He slept on the premises." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by fishes. note?" in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the drove away. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into orange pips. be. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to and wait." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "The vanishing of the lady." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is that I may have something better before very many minutes are and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else the loss of it. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much upon the white wrist. absorbing." "One?" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but DAMAGE. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in floor. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "And you can do nothing until then?" an introduction to him?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the several quiet little villages up there." get her out of the way." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than conceal it?" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "And that is--" disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may had picked up in the wood. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed hard-headed British jury." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the detective. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my politicians who had been sent down from the North. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "You were travelling in the States?" "It looks newer than the other things?" "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "I am still in the dark." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit be sorry for having acted so harshly." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home tear off another piece?' difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "I say it is." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "Precisely so. But how--" was the fact that his father should, according to his account, All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back into the bag, and made for the door. "In which, sir?" you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "What is it, then--a fire?" that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered crowd. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's test if we have an answer to our advertisement." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. where she found matters as described by the last witness. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in,