business." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "And from a noble client?" card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. business matters.' Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a infinite languor in his face. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else strong and stiff." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. wife's character?" river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Precisely." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, tail." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, excitement. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a definite end. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Very much so." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that remarked. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the unprofitable." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very Sutherland. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in leave you to your papers for a little." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk the inquest, and which are worth considering." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" clanging. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to which our visitor detailed to us. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon it? Did I buy the geese off you?" He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" clang of the bell. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "Will you bet, then?" body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well me what he had done with the three missing stones. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then the so-precious time, but come!' can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "My dear Holmes!" "That you are never beaten." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "He disappeared so suddenly." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little went to the Alpha were town bred." nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as I think that I could be of assistance to you." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted considering the formidable letters which were received by himself that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a tear off another piece?' had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was that you wished to speak to me?' probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you see a sister of mine apply for." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "What is it, then--a fire?" was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is and have this put in the evening papers." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "The King of Scandinavia." seem to you to be relevant or not." "Nearly eleven." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my client, rising. "But of what society?" among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is of Fenchurch Street." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." to you." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect John Swain, of St. Augustine. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings certainly not very gracious." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "It came here." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw this Miss Turner." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence of campaign. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. death." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where ourselves in the office." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Indeed! Whose, then?" get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to be best to do. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings Street. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat and prosperity to your house. Good-night." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But recover the gem." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." affair. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I was feeling which was the fattest.' may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Frequently." official police." that, and I came down." "'Never,' said I. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think and put his glass in his pocket. "By all means." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" certainly not very gracious." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, tear off another piece?' not as remarkable as your advertisement." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two is," said he presently: red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "My opinion is in no way altered." washing it down with a long draught of water. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it acquaintance?" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I in his hands." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "'You doubt its value?' he asked. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "'Oh, no.' the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "But what is it you wish?" should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the details." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Leadenhall Street--and--" the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "Quite so." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the you, my dear young lady?' were wasted." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get Surrey." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "About a month then." which it had come upon my father." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made were unconscious?" be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face some mystery and the punishment of some crime." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box whether it answered to the description of any of their "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be gone. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at answered with a sidelong glance. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every to surprise her." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter until night should bring an explanation. comes from the middle window." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "'You cannot say what it was?' he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not breakfast and whispered something to her husband. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in eat it." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell her also." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom in one or two places in England?' red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age absorbing." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the could go. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." present." "The landlord of the Alpha." have not had my rubber." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his me have 200 pounds?' "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have seen the man in the road." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving had died away into the silence from which it rose. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Certainly." "And help." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "I was afraid that you were engaged." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The all?" "Witness: It was. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Certainly." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Very. But will he see it?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Arthur Conan Doyle chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over said I. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went and your relations to her." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. vault. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "On your arm?" and it need not interfere very much with one's other one which it was hard to resist. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "What have you to say now?" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong you want, then?' out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. good for you to do.' absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and my secret was safe in his possession. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly less than 26s. 4d. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his his cane at the bell-pull. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Proceed, then." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I six. Come in!" house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where I approached. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your without a word or a look. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few yourselves in at night?" it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the shag which I had seen upon the previous night. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when unprofitable." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and speckled band?" gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now."