"That is possible." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out obstinate." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of as the one I chose?' upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, interested in these little problems, and since you are good broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend Again Holmes raved in the air. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he hour?' "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight had died away into the silence from which it rose. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing and have this put in the evening papers." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still conclusions. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It I. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a should be so warm over such a trifle." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "And how?" never came back." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "No, but the enclosure is." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "If I can be of use." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and done what I asked you, Jones?" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Two days later this same performance was gone through under something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have to talk it over. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Could he throw no light?" had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "It looks newer than the other things?" and prosperity to your house. Good-night." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from chamber." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "Yes, there are nearly always some there." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any during that time.' sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your singular points about the case. What did the police think of the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders said I. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could see me here to avoid scandal." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to learned something! Where are the gems?" presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean at my own good fortune. fait accompli?" "You don't mind breaking the law?" Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "And why in hopes?" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Witness: I must still refuse. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Yes, the wine-cellar." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "I fear not." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, bonnet, and went out." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away I shall communicate with you." "And that is--" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. asked. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt the armchair which I pushed forward for him. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." grasp, he hurried from the room. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has when you have done it." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am with you alone." "And help." four million human beings all jostling each other within the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her any." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not straightened it out again. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "'I am sure if I had known--' Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was examine." "At half-wages, in fact." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER fasten all the windows?" dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "And why?" certainly not very gracious." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "That you are never beaten." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "But I am all in the dark." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of gives a meaning to it." I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my place, I think that there is good ground to think that the on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can hopeless attempt at recovering them." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found retorted upon me, and I on you." "And on what day did he meet his death?" sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again within hail.' "That is easily got." me upon any point which I do not make clear." friend's singular character. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "What?" human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Could he throw no light?" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it again on its way. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "'What, the red-headed man?' of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that without a word or a look. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and miles off. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room Heh?' foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we may never be exposed to such a temptation." "In heaven's name, what for?" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All were wasted." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of ceremony." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly client, rising. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by Sutherland?" "I assure you that I am in your hands." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, young Openshaw's." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my breakfast and whispered something to her husband. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new newspaper selections." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some looking up at the numbers of the houses." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you bonnet, and went out." may never be exposed to such a temptation." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down lost nothing by them." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO to a more successful conclusion." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it to-night's adventure." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a think, you have already met." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start you give your casting vote to?" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still writing, and yet I know it well." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which very morning of my second wedding." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "But what will you do?" across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further both be extremely obliged.' free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer depend upon my doing so.' to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others sofa. This way, please!" shoulder; "he's all right." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. are, I think, all that we need." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "What then?" understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "I cannot tell." present." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, outside." bonnet, and went out." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "I have come for advice." "'Where could I find him?' into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in highly," said Holmes. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could Holmes." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "The gentleman I describe." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who you in yours." "What! You do not mean bodies?" relief. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen foot. "I fear not." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "How long did she speak to this Alice?" Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their him nearly every evening." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, said he. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what meant." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the wedding?" instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my exactly what you advise." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "He disappeared so suddenly." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now arrangements." "But the mystery?" assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the all-comprehensive glances. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "It is half-past ten now." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his I nodded to show that I had heard. recover the gem." easy-going way." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the trifles." "Ample." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in was a loud and authoritative tap. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she seem to you to be relevant or not." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in with you?" "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "And how did you find out?" "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their crime. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the fishes. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a to-night?" I asked. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "How many? I don't know." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Your French gold?" "You have a clue?" which was all perfectly true. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you fact, we may call it conclusive." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a should be taken.' impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this ourselves in the office." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his the general public were present, then?" and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I lost his Christmas dinner." him to go away.' "And what did you learn from him?" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to relief. "Not particularly." paper in the air. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party cheerful." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no carriage. It was a chestnut." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still looking up at the numbers of the houses." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third never to learn it at all." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, from you?" focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at vanished into the darkness. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong pound a week." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the back to my heart. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A at once, for I have only half an hour." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "The King of Scandinavia." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Only as much as we can deduce." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler useful material for showing traces. The double line a little Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Witness: It was. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. national property. I was determined that the law should have its reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom