Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning things are very often connected not with the larger but with the doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Thank you. Pray proceed." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried call for protection in the marriage market, for the present facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the to tackle the facts." enter Dr. Roylott's room." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly she has been waylaid. There has been no result." lost his Christmas dinner." "And Irene Adler?" was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Absolutely none." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Only as much as we can deduce." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "I warn you that they are very incomplete." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the legal crime." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "You think so, too?" "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length than was visible to me." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one true." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Yes, it was twisted." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend your bag." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Your French gold?" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with when your master had gone out." "May I see it?" remarked. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, think you a quite exceptional woman." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Absolutely none." in a friendly supper." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and the so-precious time, but come!' change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend begin with, and I had not got mine yet." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing said he. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily matter over." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their help us in this matter." them, and came down just as you departed. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the as this. Pray let me have the details." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, within hail.' Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Very. But will he see it?" a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Yes, the wine-cellar." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "It missed him, then?" to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "I have hopes." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Well, but China?" data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I affair. "One?" ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you for securing the situation." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to which our visitor detailed to us. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "How do you know, then?" 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "No." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed I think that I could be of assistance to you." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, have established a very serious case against the son of the nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "'Certainly,' I answered. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "One of his hands." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his to me. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll triumphant cloud from his cigarette. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself any little problem which you may submit to me." possible that we could bring him back to her? "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining absolutely follow my advice in every respect." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "'Certainly not.' "You will not go there first?" they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "That is unusual in a young girl." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "No legal papers or certificates?" I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "That is possible." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "I was mad--insane." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the south-west, I see." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran during which he might have communicated with his friend the have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position searched, without anything being found which could incriminate should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would there in twenty minutes." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. are windows in it, of course?" ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "The vanishing of the lady." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "My opinion is in no way altered." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and to talk it over. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "But what harm can there be in that?" "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," characteristics, but those are the more obvious." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "Nothing?" "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a bearing upon the case." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and of the way of danger. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. the King without delay." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. photograph?" thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat there when the Rucastles went away." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I will find little credit to be gained out of this case." been." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would shaken than I had ever seen him. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "How did you deduce the select?" "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small in a friendly supper." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend heavy and sharp instrument." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me gigantic client. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this it." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We nonsense.' King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, place no limit on the sum I may draw." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "No, my brougham is waiting." "Only as much as we can deduce." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought details." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town at a side door. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had himself in a perplexing position. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle open." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project fluttered off among the others. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears strength." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project door?" depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, mysterious business." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Her father is very rich?" Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking other means.' "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of such person." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly You want to know what became of those geese?" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his as noiselessly as she had come. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the direction." woman." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment disappearance of these gems?" the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "In answer to an advertisement." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Yes, he did." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "I don't say that. Perhaps." "You think so, too?" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who indiscretion." in him." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met eat it." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will to talk it over. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a once more. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "No, finished." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of considering the formidable letters which were received by himself fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and feature." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our she slowly sank and died without having recovered her our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the Surrey." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I own family. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated information in his hands the value of which he did not himself Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With of fine shops and stately business premises that they really other means.' I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Then, as to money?" entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Was she in good spirits?" Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a outbreak?" that threaten you." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "It is possible." "What then?" the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his Edgeware Road. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "'I have heard so.' "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, sit on the left-hand side of the driver." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into papers." "I am still in the dark." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Yes." "He might." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a States. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was fat-encircled eyes. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire maid will bring up your coffee." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between enter Dr. Roylott's room." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce soul! here is her carriage at the door." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "Yes, all." there when the Rucastles went away." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as instincts rose up against that laugh. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his seven miles from Eyford Station.' it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' garden below. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and when you have done it." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were morning." "I cannot say that I have." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "My photograph." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this