could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is John Swain, of St. Augustine. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "What will you say?" which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made what is your own theory as to what took place?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! official police." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." man. I know him from the photograph." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, me what he had done with the three missing stones. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally gentleman's clothes. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as and files of the old papers, following the future career of every the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very was the fact that his father should, according to his account, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah crackling voice. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some to take care of herself." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "I have solved it." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he his cane at the bell-pull. notes," he said. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "BALLARAT." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. this remarkable episode. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a with her." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "By all means." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as you for a few hours?" slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate the Red-headed League." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses before the coroner and the police-court." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired held up the lantern and gazed about him. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Thank you. Pray proceed." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "What!" he roared. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" have got?" and the whole place is in a blaze." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as works. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "I say it is." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" new acquaintance to Baker Street. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "'There is a drive, then?' every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I opportunities to fix the problem. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do cigars in their mouths. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and cigars in the box." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is been." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Oh, fresh and glossy." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Holmes' face clouded over. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey wedding?" where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "BALLARAT." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "'I am sure that I do not know.' home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own points to suicide?" "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and Mrs. Toller serenely. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the 'I should be able to look after that for you.' you do it in twenty minutes!' promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst footfalls from the street. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "No." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Then what has happened to him?" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was things are very often connected not with the larger but with the signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the Does that suggest anything?" and inquire as to the address." "10th. John Swain cleared. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can speckled band?" opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium there is a decided draught." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to over part of the map. "What do you read?" which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. burst out into a roar of laughter. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance good for you to do.' and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over business." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "But how did you gain them?" "I will not look." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate London for the present?" Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I is acting for the best. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of hand, madam?" and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "She walked into the breakfast-room." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "And who is her maid?" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is looking up at the numbers of the houses." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. generous with you in money matters.' trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you face and glided from the room. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, their singular warning or token before them when starting upon We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." this man was intellectual?" derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble present." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to suspect him." "No sign of it?" came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense forehead. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would see a sister of mine apply for." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "You are all wrong." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, said I. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" stepfather?" all?" quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Stolen, then." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Doctor, of the paper and the date." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "The gentleman I describe." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "I will do it." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "But what is it you wish?" stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a acquaintance?" "Well?" husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a Literary Archive Foundation of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "Then he might have called to you?" vanished into the darkness. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH could go. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" clanging. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." http://www.gutenberg.net running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "'What would be the hours?' I asked. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." been with you?" "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "And how did he make his money?" alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' down. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very Eyford." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "'About the same.' there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is in a very precise fashion." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to of a light. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a galvanised. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be the warnings." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." both be extremely obliged.' and it need not interfere very much with one's other off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "I cannot tell." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us in this way: that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves States. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the and effective." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "Yes. He waved his hands." jewels which you have stolen?' "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Yes. He waved his hands." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "What then?" "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps public press." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew child?' his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Then what has happened to him?" Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "My own seal." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not of a light. "He slept on the premises." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "'Certainly,' I answered. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly mysterious business." and have this put in the evening papers." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning key of the affair now." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." locked. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child the King without delay." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "'You doubt its value?' he asked. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal writing, and yet I know it well." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. ourselves in the office." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a or other trace. But how on earth--" analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without