Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but posted to-day." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "But not more so than I to find you." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are carried out of court." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "Yes, sir." new duties?' the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a have not had my rubber." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "What! a murderous attack?" against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "You are all wrong." "Won't it ring?" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to all?" brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." appeal." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Yes, he did." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," might have a private word with us. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party you found me to-night--and running through the front room she may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "That is easily got." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat of the vacancies.' "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you than to us. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the one else, I think." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself the coroner come to?" foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Ha! you find it so?" "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror disappearance of the bride.'" take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Yes, I have one waiting." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. himself. said he at last. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so ashen face. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this hurried away. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted nothing with him." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." through." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "I cannot imagine." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over you understand?" unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent in a very precise fashion." and looked back. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "I am about to be married." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "No sign of it?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, becomes even more simple." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Come in!" said he. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." asked. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send depend upon my doing so.' had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the voice. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the be sorry for having acted so harshly." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more him to be an active member of the medical profession." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it the tragedy. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said companion. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I made his money." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle straightened it out again. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination the running down." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these ceremony." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "And you don't know his address?" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small the stones. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose London for the present?" "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's several quiet little villages up there." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended your equipment. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Well?" said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I with frightened eyes at his accuser. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. his cane at the bell-pull. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." salesman. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the like gravel from a pit.' drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, miles off. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, away into the river." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt individual and becomes the badge of a society." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Where, then, is my wife?" every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events conduct the inquiry." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag such attractions and accomplishments?' commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "'Never,' said I. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "No." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who awkward doing business with an alias." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "And for present expenses?" "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would not come at once?" particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner murdered man." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me everything which you would wish to know." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Quite so. She has her freedom." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at behind me. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' delirious. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was already been minutely examined." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "And when will you call?" the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come vanished into the darkness. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "And is that all?" be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents could not have written that. It is the German who is so depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry in one or two places in England?' way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day ventilator." open." not fit the lock." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "We must sit without light. He would see it through the might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again down from London to inquire more deeply into it." your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." do." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his both be extremely obliged.' "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same held up the lantern and gazed about him. "I guessed as much." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of cigars in their mouths. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to empty. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of something of him before." of receipt of the work. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first into her hand at the door and which lured her within their stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and about. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just maiden herself was most instructive." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, trifles." sofa. This way, please!" Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Was the window open?" blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of a monotonous occupation." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Breckinridge is his name." "And did you observe any change in her then?" "She walked into the breakfast-room." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to ready to-morrow?' this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "I should be immensely obliged to you." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said I took the paper from him and read as follows: "A call for help, you thought?" the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have will not take me long to tell. where we are going." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Precisely." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you him!" but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "How long did she speak to this Alice?" me what he had done with the three missing stones. "I am following you closely," I answered. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "That was it, sir." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good front of me. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Of what?" Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of is," said he presently: Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "But his left-handedness." "What will you do, then?" "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "It is very clear." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "And how did he make his money?" hurried away. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I main points of my analysis." "The knees of his trousers." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the You want to know what became of those geese?" silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our works. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Your presence might be invaluable." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "'I have already given you my word.' in this way: this Miss Turner." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Yes, at the mines." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while Doctor, of the paper and the date." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "It is a murder, then?" "Yes." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" and a shock of very red hair. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and distinguish the words: lamp. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, excitement. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have will take you up to see the machine.' a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs suspect him." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and know that the truth is known." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & such attractions and accomplishments?' caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If vault. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "But how could you guess what the motive was?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "By all means." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from stalked out of the room. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean the address that was given us in the advertisement. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Married! When?" as he remarks, very much against the son." to Leatherhead. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I humiliation." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long him!" Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "In heaven's name, what for?" "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face me what he had done with the three missing stones. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working that before taking the final step I should like to submit the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "My own seal." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "My own seal." "It is no ordinary one." placed his cuttings. that returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "But of what society?" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my Leadenhall Street--and--" Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room,