may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "'Yes, sir.' laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the go from here to the Strand." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he of this gang." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over quickly through a disagreeable task. of it with the greatest attention. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining your bag." point in the dark hollow of his hand. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "Awake, Watson?" he asked. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. photograph?" "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in weary and pale-looking. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' closing the door. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about at my remark. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Well, some hundreds of times." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the you for a few hours?" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "That is it on the dressing-table." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the off." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "The vanishing of the lady." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "I cannot say that I have." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what forehead. "I promise," said Holmes. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "'Yes.' "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and You want to know what became of those geese?" daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "And did you observe any change in her then?" hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his fat-encircled eyes. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were character. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always The telegram which we eventually received came late one night shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that indeed happy." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in simple cases which are so extremely difficult." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Very truly yours, "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't and a shock of very red hair. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "'Where could I find him?' "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Perhaps I have." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "And I say east," said my patient. lips." other lovers by making love himself." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "That is unusual in a young girl." "Entirely." his huge brown hands. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and here and I will read it to you: would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, putting in the horse. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Nearly eleven." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy investigation." "No. What a strange idea!" We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and name is different." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but hour?' occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must lumber-room." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "'And the work?' "How did you trace it, then?" we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could here and I will read it to you: the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Oh, yes, easily." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "And why in hopes?" of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." arrested. You then--" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage undoubtedly my uncle's." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a here and I will read it to you: "'You doubt its value?' he asked. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to returning from some small jollification and was making his way tear off another piece?' about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the best detective that ever lived. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between there has been an enclosure here!" Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "'Yes, sir.' "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "His face fell immediately. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" she to prove their authenticity?" colour had been driven from his face. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Because he was handy and would come cheap." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and together. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he thin, with a long, sharp nose?" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "No." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales o'clock is it?" and the church but not where the lady lived." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, happened." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted information in his hands the value of which he did not himself thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "And Irene Adler?" smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, just ask you whether you had heard it.' once more on the important position which you have been fortunate country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is eat it." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "'Oh, no.' which I could not give. He asked for Alice. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable daring than any effort of the imagination." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said character. should be taken.' homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat you." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "I will do it." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder your sleep?' "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a occurred." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her them, and came down just as you departed. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very think, you have already met." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a for and were ordered to this address. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every of." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the one or two very singular points about this room. For example, one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "To an English lawyer named Norton." "But you were on a friendly footing?" very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. in his hands." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical lost nothing by them." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too 'please.'" him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat detained." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his my former friend and companion. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the bell. Holmes whistled. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which as he remarks, very much against the son." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an one's self under obligations.' "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no good-night and bustled off upon her way. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running province." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Yes." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and him." shoulder. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "Then the page we have seen--" Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Not yet." particular state visit http://pglaf.org gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how leaning back in his chair. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more been with you?" of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, that I may have something better before very many minutes are me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Stolen." the south-west, I see." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a carriage. It was a chestnut." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been in darkness. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon ways of our fellow-men." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you the house with me." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, just called myself is not exactly my own." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "I will not look." fear." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, where Mr. Fordham shows you.' by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' II. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, conclusions. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in is a common subject for conversation. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary in the hope of finding them." "'Yes.' "Nothing." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, Leadenhall Street--and--" refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in cause to be." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, Holmes rather sternly. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it was shining brightly. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' delirious. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Were they all fastened this morning?" cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and morning." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, name is different." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from crackling voice. thirty. "'Which dealer's?' "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "But what harm can there be in that?" breakfast?" "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem me, and I could not think that his explanation of the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Because he was handy and would come cheap." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure or other trace. But how on earth--" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." secret." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did than to us. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "My Mary? Impossible!" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "That was it, sir." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily drove away. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on