therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a comes from the middle window." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in has little to do with my story." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for voice, changing her seat as requested. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: likely to be some crony of the landlady's." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it instituted." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his putting in the horse. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." these bleak autumnal evenings." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he national property. I was determined that the law should have its "No." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the mystery." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at of note-paper. It read in this fashion: too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." occurred." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew the station." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': even of instruction." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." have got?" all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Yes." "A greater distance to travel." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Where, indeed?" likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, back to my heart. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be face and glided from the room. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless definite end. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Pray tell us what has happened to you." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to of this gang." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took which was all perfectly true. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook considering the formidable letters which were received by himself One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight Mrs. Toller serenely. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." your troubles." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these point our research must commence, and we will begin it by then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it the inner apartment." "My dear Holmes!" room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the bearing upon the case." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look is a common subject for conversation. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he views." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and fait accompli?" peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "It was an hour's good drive." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, o'clock is it?" have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from child?' our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he seem to you to be relevant or not." despair." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, it right.' There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from this truth that in these little records of our cases which you How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her that?' happened." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "My photograph." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "What?" once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual whole matter to your consideration." "Come in!" said Holmes. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. as the one I chose?' most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to States. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as fasten all the windows?" "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton what is your own theory as to what took place?" unclasping of his long thin hands. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a father's place of business?" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Just look it up, then." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he lamp. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several once more for Briony Lodge. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some the address that was given us in the advertisement. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs suggested at once that there must be a communication between the then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Could he throw no light?" blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and instincts rose up against that laugh. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually II. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." remarked. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: But Holmes shook his head gravely. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until Heh?' very peculiar words of the dying woman?" King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said that When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She gone. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was infinite languor in his face. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with your bag." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last with her." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the have established a very serious case against the son of the purpose equally well?" "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a strode off upon his way. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" his forehead." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too his huge brown hands. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple thin, with a long, sharp nose?" labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Not I." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in taking in every detail of the apartment. entirely devoid of interest." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." upon the white wrist. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "In which, sir?" "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "And how did he make his money?" ran thus: said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have matters immensely." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Indeed! Whose, then?" had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a that, and I came down." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Did your wife hear all this?" main points of my analysis." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone matter over." conceal it?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "And you thought he was pulled back?" Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. morning." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance relation between them, and what the object of his repeated of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that was it brought him the coronet? "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Yesterday." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else bears upon the case?" be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll my special province." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. mysterious end." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" and it need not interfere very much with one's other "I am still in the dark." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the train.' Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to you." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered with the outside air!" himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several business." our word." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up interests were the same as his." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "So I have heard." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "'Tell me all about it,' said I. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "No, I am descending." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," happened." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for Watson," he said cordially. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for here and I will read it to you: Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty friends, not even his own brother. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Bought." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with weigh very heavily upon my conscience." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were me. You must get home instantly and act." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Very much so." chance." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "'Ample.' "I fear not." "You think so, too?" quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Certainly." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, do." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, himself in a perplexing position. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out went to the Alpha were town bred." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted fatally injured? could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Could he throw no light?" Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly to take care of herself." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at you want, then?' kindly on the shoulder. delighted to hear it," he said. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a outside. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "And what did you learn from him?" it were putty." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "Then I shall certainly come." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural passage and a tap at the door. "At half-wages, in fact." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was whether it answered to the description of any of their dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the hair?' "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to extraordinary contortions. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir 1.F. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe