"They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "The Cedars?" before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "Yesterday." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right unkempt, staring out at me. http://gutenberg.net/license). "You have but to name it." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood have an American origin." "You are hungry," I remarked. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, should be taken.' "It looks newer than the other things?" floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we she used." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the round and wave him away like that.' stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a despaired of." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing the night.' deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you shall not find me ungrateful." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" ways of our fellow-men." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Yes." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Won't it ring?" fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. look upon these things in a different way." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of chemical work which was so dear to him. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps weary and pale-looking. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. jewels which you have stolen?' active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an IS place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been it." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove man. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he was lame." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. galvanised. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should The telegram which we eventually received came late one night its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin stalked out of the room. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "There are none." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "He disappeared so suddenly." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, appointment with me for six o'clock?" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Then I can wait in the next room." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Certainly." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Then how many are there?" name is different." standing smiling on the door-step. are, and they are waiting for us." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Perhaps we may make them less so." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance help us in this matter." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to out of this horrible affair." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had Munro.' room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "You think that he is dead?" answered with a sidelong glance. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we she might be summoned. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly The note was undated, and without either signature or address. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in better grown goose." "Then what has happened to him?" you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, returning from some small jollification and was making his way "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard is a common subject for conversation. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "It is a murder, then?" discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, and put his glass in his pocket. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the best detective that ever lived. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Oh, fresh and glossy." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and His name is Francis Prosper." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Nearly eleven." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg a room. some terrible trap for her." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he astonishment. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest him. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for a good hundred miles off by now." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can enough to aid us in our search." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Murdered?" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Were they all fastened this morning?" Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "It surprised me." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was him, that man would not have given me such complete information set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "It was." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "And the cigar-holder?" that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "What is it?" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such wall." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "If so, much may have happened between." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't papers diligently of late, have you not?" having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two know that the truth is known." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into and wait." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, him nearly every evening." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my it means?" at my own good fortune. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and done what I asked you, Jones?" "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "I do." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Never to return." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, friend's singular character. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "'Is purely nominal.' "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Your presence might be invaluable." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was she has been waylaid. There has been no result." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into of it with the greatest attention. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Eyford." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we ready to-morrow?' license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to will he say when he returns?" the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I His smile broadened. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to my friend's incisive reasoning. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we Young McCarthy must be got off, however." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as public press." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly question. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Pray do so." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this had formerly been in part my own. night.' said he. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "A confidential servant?" remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare your equipment. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Was he the only applicant?" could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone what these perils are?" absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "'What, the red-headed man?' "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is Heh?' not use it unless it is absolutely needed." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "'Oh, no.' himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send disturbance in my wife." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very lamp in his hand. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Who by?" houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I would then never go into court at all." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch depend upon my doing so.' word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the the matter?" be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as could go. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "'I am sure that I do not know.' have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Ah, but I was recommended to you." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and interests were the same as his." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "'And what salary do you ask?' began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I John Swain, of St. Augustine. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "'Ample.' "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET question," said Holmes, smiling. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in some mystery and the punishment of some crime." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial one or two very singular points about this room. For example, of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project orange pips. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "'Never.' "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "I was mad--insane." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. fait accompli?" "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly to-night's adventure." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual south, for the country is more deserted there." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout during which he might have communicated with his friend the had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly should be taken.' "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** might help us?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three the warnings." to Leatherhead. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Stolen." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. you in your example." indeed which he could not unravel. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end Sutherland. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a was the fact that his father should, according to his account, ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Dark enough and sinister enough." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my particular state visit http://pglaf.org shall use the carriage to-night." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Clair, of Lee." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands