"Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Why, what do you mean?" have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "I cannot tell." not personally threatened." business." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of better grown goose." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "I see many objections to any such theory." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind directors have had misgivings upon the subject." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "You have compromised yourself seriously." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "The vanishing of the lady." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can clanging. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When soul! here is her carriage at the door." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Precisely." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me of a light. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, held up the lantern and gazed about him. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Come in!" said Holmes. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were burst out into a roar of laughter. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "You have carte blanche." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and Edgeware Road. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to case-book, which he consulted. not as remarkable as your advertisement." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer details." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Then you may be so with me." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. to affect your life." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark relief. "Your French gold?" beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his fat-encircled eyes. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project train.' "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Game for a morning drive?" not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and than was visible to me." "What do you make of that, Watson?" building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' to-night's adventure." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the This is what he says: I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a whereabouts. Henry Baker is a member." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes of campaign. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not companion. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Was he the only applicant?" paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Yes, it was twisted." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De salesman. "You think so, too?" quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish when you have done it." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. here and I will read it to you: Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "But what is it you wish?" which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Breckinridge is his name." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs deduce something from that?" "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his nothing with him." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' you came in." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of when you have done it." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, had picked up in the wood. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned unkempt, staring out at me. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you despaired of." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of before, for it was considerably after midnight. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room front of the hall door has given its name to the place. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Witness: Nothing definite. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on case before our client came into the room." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted companion quietly. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "That is easily got." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Get out!" said he. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those sooner or later she must fall a victim. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were what these perils are?" applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "You did not overhear what they said?" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "But you were on a friendly footing?" depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his voice, changing her seat as requested. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "He might." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest Eyford." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the carried out of court." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "But the mystery?" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "By train from Waterloo." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, already been minutely examined." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to in. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner to where he stood hid behind the curtain. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Proceed, then." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking the King without delay." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her himself. "Really! You surprise me." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet Cross for the Continent." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Quite so. She has her freedom." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever were wasted." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "I would pay ten." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Will you go?" but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Two days later this same performance was gone through under she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to room had already been engaged for us. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own heavily into it. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "And what did you learn from him?" over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would tassel actually lying upon the pillow. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a relation between them, and what the object of his repeated you came in." be. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he peculiar to him. "How did that help you?" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation might help us?" scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and there." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "'I am sure if I had known--' which are rolled in Rotterdam." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your there has been an enclosure here!" of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and one of the states of the Union." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' nonsense.' result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "No bad?" imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "Where did he live, then?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless DAMAGE. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the rat could hardly pass through." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" bachelor.' from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may you in yours." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying such attractions and accomplishments?' which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are your equipment. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary clanging. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "But his left-handedness." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss hour?' - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who wedding?" "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "What of the rat, then?" "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Precisely." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible room had already been engaged for us. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "I have solved it." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Look there!" said he. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington the bed, and you in that chair." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be highroad, where all traces were lost. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "The gentleman I describe." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Eh? What was that?" "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. if she died from some sudden fright." said I. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were the ceiling. photograph a cabinet?" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The it? Did I buy the geese off you?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in chamber." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the like that before?" "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Awake, Watson?" he asked. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head Mrs. Toller serenely. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts.