has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' questionable one." remarked. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So weigh very heavily upon my conscience." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do page at http://pglaf.org the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some correct than the official force." "Where, then?" might have a private word with us. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" silent! Oh, he will be silent!' Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat your co-operation." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "He might." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "'Oh, no.' passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a said he. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as during the last few years, and there are many noble families to said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "I assure you that I am in your hands." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, papers on the sundial.'" "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "I fear not." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his have got?" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, next day. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she His smile broadened. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "9th. McCauley cleared. o'clock is it?" Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "And when will you call?" person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "But what harm can there be in that?" - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional strong and stiff." be there in time for your coming." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "What shall I do?" unkempt, staring out at me. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. heavy and sharp instrument." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "And from a noble client?" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "You have a clue?" cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted tail." "'You cannot say what it was?' who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced ill-usage at the hands of fortune. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any colonel looking down at me. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is any." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to colour had been driven from his face. criminal. We have already had experience of such." him." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Certainly." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange was not a bird to be seen there. sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone kind enough to tell me what I should do." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB ways including including checks, online payments and credit card piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our union?" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few strong and stiff." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his nonsense.' "The King of Scandinavia." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "'Never.' I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "One of the highest in England." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "I will try. What is it?" up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he redistribution. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "It is half-past ten now." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my man. shaken than I had ever seen him. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, heavy and sharp instrument." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very bell. Holmes whistled. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased leaning back in his chair. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "And when will you call?" I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Who was the criminal, then?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end since then to throw any light upon what became of him." and that he would see to anything that turned up. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you tied." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "What office?" her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but question. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the never will be, entirely cleared up. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "I have seen the police." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in Leadenhall Street--and--" to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of where Mr. Fordham shows you.' misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That meant it for the best. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I to surprise her." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson absorbing." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate status with the IRS. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's before the coroner and the police-court." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' telegram would bring me down to your help." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "'I have heard so.' "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Did you become engaged then?" The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does IS send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the away to you." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which companion imperturbably. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "And sit in the dark?" many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were round with crates and massive boxes. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "In heaven's name, what for?" when your master had gone out." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now I was concerned in it." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Seven!" I answered. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his I leave." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him and it need not interfere very much with one's other fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause habit of advancing money.' stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Always." sake, don't!" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Have you her photograph?" in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Now, then, what's the last entry?" my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have away in different directions, and I went off to make my own Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "It surprised me." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "By all means." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have your billet.' should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my License. You must require such a user to return or "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." than to us. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more keep the flames under. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words is," said he presently: His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, sparkled upon his finger. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes may never be exposed to such a temptation." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood hereditary King of Bohemia." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a it right.' speckled band?" as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me me what he had done with the three missing stones. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Precisely." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this morning." with you?" object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign all?" Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than furiously. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate interests were the same as his." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly the Red-headed League." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "You are hungry," I remarked. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "'As governess?' "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' strong reason behind." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so strength in the others."