granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is laugh and put his lips to my ear. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "At the wedding breakfast." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Nothing." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent whereabouts. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I something of him before." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered where we are going." beyond words. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" visitors." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "What have you to say now?" desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "How do you know, then?" other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Yes, the wine-cellar." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Then you may entirely rely on me." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Do you go out much in society?" however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then in a very precise fashion." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. the dangers which encompass me." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my very old mansion. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning leaning back in his chair. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Dr. Becher's." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "I cannot say that I have." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his the matter." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper carried out of court." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "It was." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "I think it very unlikely." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a breakfast and whispered something to her husband. Count Von Kramm." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has strength in the others." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of astonishment. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is tension within him. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect key turn in the lock." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Absolutely none." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "'What do you call purely nominal?' for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know papers." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside dates and names. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "'Yes, sir.' can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length and prosperity to your house. Good-night." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my chill to my heart. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first such attractions and accomplishments?' fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "That is easily got." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "'Ample.' gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been the coroner come to?" and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as was feeling which was the fattest.' other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly again on its way. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a to some other building. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic meant it for the best. Count Von Kramm." in his hands." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. despaired of." name is different." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "The murder was done with it." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. any." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "And how did he make his money?" "You horrify me." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my of Mr. Rucastle's." affection." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in bell. Holmes whistled. allusion to a rat. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said the loss of it. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the conclusions. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." would then never go into court at all." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from disturbance in my wife." "From his hat?" "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "If so, much may have happened between." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "I cannot say that I have." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking salesman. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "I cannot think." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said coat-tails." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, sparkled upon his finger. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at speckled band?" possible that we could bring him back to her? that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. Literary Archive Foundation "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to Holmes' thin, eager face. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "No." "In which, sir?" "No more words. Get out!" few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do one which it was hard to resist. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make in this note: therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor in the hope of finding them." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have in this note: they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have leaning back in his chair. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of 'I should be able to look after that for you.' have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk there in twenty minutes." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she my special province." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be side. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. wall." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "'Never.' "What will you do, then?" the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an Holmes' face clouded over. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "And leave your case unfinished?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and were unconscious?" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler here." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly too. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the his huge brown hands. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." the best of training." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep his grey eyes. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "'No, I know no one in these parts.' stalked out of the room. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after fatally injured? Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips silent! Oh, he will be silent!' Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Was your sister dressed?" "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a outside. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. writers could invent nothing more crude." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "But how will you look?" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in Surrey." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or success. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes you give your casting vote to?" the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and held up the lantern and gazed about him. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy man. I know him from the photograph." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" infinite languor in his face. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "'Tell me all about it,' said I. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I the stones. strength of mind to control. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my of Fenchurch Street." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a nothing with him." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. detained." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that went to the Alpha were town bred." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, do.' upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase himself to hunt down. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to himself to tell his story. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice nothing of it?" during which he might have communicated with his friend the is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Yes." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in allusion to a rat. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as business." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I answer." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Will you go?" indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with absorbing." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "'Quite sure, dad.' really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, six. Come in!" to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "How many? I don't know." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Your French gold?" she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Just look it up, then." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "'Quite sure, dad.' Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "She showed me, as I told you she would." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of business came to an end." the stones. meant." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the case-book, which he consulted. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "By no means." like that before?" one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "Very well, sir. And this stone?" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were instituted." taking in every detail of the apartment. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks more terrible than the truth. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down my secret was safe in his possession. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn,