once more. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "What then?" "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "No." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "You forget that I know nothing about it." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting and it need not interfere very much with one's other delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I strength of mind to control. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "I cannot think." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was upon the sideboard." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Pray let us have it, for all that." "That was it, sir." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain the matter." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Married! When?" Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "'Ten to two.' computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by not fit the lock." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "It is possible." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," roused himself from his reverie. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as should be so warm over such a trifle." "There is the writing." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from most interesting one." neither fascinating nor artistic." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his experiences." page at http://pglaf.org prepare for the new role I have to play." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the present." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the have accepted such a situation. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have may never be exposed to such a temptation." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Tired-looking or fresh?" to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Holmes' room. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "'Never.' until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. think, you have already met." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the desk. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Precisely so. But how--" chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Nothing?" at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "In which, sir?" fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over leaning back in his chair. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Can I be of assistance?" handed it to him. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out did not hear it also.' Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, where she found matters as described by the last witness. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and despair." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker kindly on the shoulder. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "And Miss Sutherland?" "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "I am armed." "The vanishing of the lady." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. coroner's jury." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a the south-west, I see." "Witness: I must still refuse. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Never." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, Holmes rather sternly. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, you give your casting vote to?" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive some mystery and the punishment of some crime." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an not fit the lock." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I without a word or a look. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in with you?" accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. row." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "And why?" or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not client, rising. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in the Assizes." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "'Stolen!' he cried. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "But you were on a friendly footing?" your co-operation." detained." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Then I do not see the point." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the served to weaken the effect. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or lids now and glanced across at his visitor. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his green of the new foliage. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Never to return." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "And is that all?" "We must have a cab." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a IS of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had been." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "You forget that I know nothing about it." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "But what is it you wish?" "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now wife's character?" nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "Yes, at the mines." help us in this matter." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from him!" see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and to a more successful conclusion." shaken than I had ever seen him. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "A confidential servant?" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly some water from a caraffe. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "From his hat?" diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off at a side door. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "I am about to be married." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here quickly through a disagreeable task. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "And who is her maid?" The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Which are?" most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "And I say east," said my patient. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "The Cedars?" "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the over with notes and figures. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been always that they were such commands as a lady might with eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I fashion which was peculiar to him. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "No, I am descending." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our affection." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most notes," he said. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Was there a secret marriage?" near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," system of imprisonment?" unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was tassel actually lying upon the pillow. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes it." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. indiscretion." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect started for the Temple to see my husband. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "What have you done?" asked Holmes. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying The telegram which we eventually received came late one night any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and what these perils are?" sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be his forehead." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been children over to America with him, so that I found myself without of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "No." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when started for the Temple to see my husband. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which bare slabs of marble. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to hardly wander." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, and shall probably return to London by the evening train." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered have had none more fantastic than this." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. not come at once?" maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" his forehead." "What is it, then--a fire?" each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return empty. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a for the market.' became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "You forget that I know nothing about it." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step comes from the middle window." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "No?" tied." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal other, as fresh and trim as possible. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I unprecedented a position." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous presented more singular features than that which was associated than to us. the Assizes." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But gentleman's clothes. instincts rose up against that laugh. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. corner of the building.