"You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Certainly." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. crowd. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the the so-precious time, but come!' places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as you in your example." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the has little to do with my story." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Then you may be so with me." to talk it over. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of cigars in the box." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, where we are going." written. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "And why?" 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in that there was nothing in it, after all." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Breckinridge is his name." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Well, some hundreds of times." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his meanly of me." acquaintance?" "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own is so. I know all about McCarthy." rat could hardly pass through." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property young Openshaw's." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every remarked. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Yes, certainly." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." wedding?" with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from and effective." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "'Stolen!' he cried. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "Precisely." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, sound at heart." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little colonel looking down at me. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "The doctor?" as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, the dangers which encompass me." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, in your London, you will know that the office of the company is point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us client, rising. questioning and rather startled gaze. During two years I have had three consultations and one small should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "The Coroner: What do you mean? visitors." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which your co-operation." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. and no precautions can guard against." nothing with him." "Then, as to money?" access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, within hail.' smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "I was mad--insane." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in call the police, let the police find what they can.' 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a searched, without anything being found which could incriminate which I could not give. He asked for Alice. strong and stiff." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his your troubles." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "The murder was done with it." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, meanly of me." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "This photograph!" side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that the running down." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "And is that all?" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was dramatic, in fact." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "No." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "I will, Miss Turner." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "On Monday." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Seven!" I answered. with her." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of lectures into a series of tales." with some details as to your case." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "'Certainly not. But why?' you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "He slept on the premises." the address that was given us in the advertisement. "None." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose the nursery. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and rose-bushes. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and amused." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "You have the photograph?" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the were unconscious?" I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "May I see it?" to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet unkempt, staring out at me. success. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his the room while you explain this matter?" "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. questioning and rather startled gaze. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and she might be summoned. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we such person." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "'Not at all. I only doubt--' home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "In what way?" asked Holmes. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck like that before?" seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that electronic works particular state visit http://pglaf.org do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large o'clock is it?" thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Well, it is a possible supposition." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "Do you receive much company?" he asked. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of country, and eventually married, without anyone having a any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the room?" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as would apply.' thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "It is to him that this trophy belongs." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. young Openshaw's." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a friends, not even his own brother. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door newspaper selections." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "I say that I have solved it." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "You have carte blanche." him. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" as yours." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner acquaintance?" "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as burst out into a roar of laughter. do." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was morning." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me crackling voice. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office when you have done it." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "My own seal." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house a very grave face. direction." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, eat it." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told of this gang." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a whereabouts. "Then, how do you know?" until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Entirely." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until directors have had misgivings upon the subject." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been himself in a perplexing position. "I will not look." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some some water from a caraffe. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. that there was nothing in it, after all." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." delighted to hear it," he said. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "'Tell me all about it,' said I. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east bore every mark of being an average commonplace British have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from weigh very heavily upon my conscience." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a held up the lantern and gazed about him. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our fear." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' London for the present?" "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs rooms." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one train.' living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock bare slabs of marble. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his later, upon the night of May 2nd." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is rat could hardly pass through." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "My own seal." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "VIOLET HUNTER." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the lamp. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a gigantic client. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should without success. At last the little money which I had saved began is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "VIOLET HUNTER." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If This is what he says: me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "I answered that I had not. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "'You cannot say what it was?' client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual it. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "What do you make of that, Watson?" in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but to miss it." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "And I say east," said my patient. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a