off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most forebodings. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this shag which I had seen upon the previous night. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could how narrow had been my escape. "Very much so." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" gone. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "And Miss Sutherland?" Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her relief. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." dead, shall be safe with us." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' obstinate." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great appeal." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot that he will be back before evening." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Then I shall certainly come." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a public press." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." cost them two and thirty pounds." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "In the cells." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is she might be summoned. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property ready to-morrow?' who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness to go into your room and bar your shutters?" time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Stoke Moran?" said he. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to other means.' for its centre. comes from the middle window." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From quickly through a disagreeable task. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, bonnet, and went out." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, again, where I was soon asleep. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "It surprised me." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "'Ample.' but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "It is solved." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." tightly behind him. and all of them with the keenest interest. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, six. Come in!" "Yes, the wine-cellar." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Precisely so. But how--" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "You horrify me." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "I am following you closely," I answered. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well Holmes. and no precautions can guard against." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "A confidential servant?" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." when your master had gone out." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "'I have heard so.' man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would of his shoulders. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Yes, all." invisible to me," I remarked. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long writing, and yet I know it well." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth client, rising. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. very old mansion. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry the salesman. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "But we can't all be." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "I have a cab outside." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. go from here to the Strand." "I think it very unlikely." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." must be when I saw the door open.' "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue later, upon the night of May 2nd." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "That you are never beaten." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the meant." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "Have you her photograph?" "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." skylight. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." if she died from some sudden fright." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his the child." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and in a friendly supper." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, girl said." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily Clair, of Lee." will take you up to see the machine.' "That sounds a little paradoxical." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, hopeless attempt at recovering them." "That you are never beaten." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and man. I know him from the photograph." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with generous with you in money matters.' the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Not particularly." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." some city in a dream. This is what he says: character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw burst out into a roar of laughter. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon in one or two places in England?' waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "Then you may be so with me." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Why did you pick him?" you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "What will you do, then?" Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "But to whom?" will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation next day. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "It is to him that this trophy belongs." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first dead, shall be safe with us." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door your billet.' out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in do.' way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. during that time.' The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the the station." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Sutherland?" has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few off." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The congratulate you again." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "'Yes.' my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in rooms." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Yes, they were peculiar boots." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. rose-bushes. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "'And what salary do you ask?' just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, the address that was given us in the advertisement. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "Yes." my secret was safe in his possession. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the one's self under obligations.' you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she read over the extraordinary announcement. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Certainly." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I a suggestive one." even of instruction." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the woman." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "The King of Scandinavia." "My own seal." until night should bring an explanation. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Then you may entirely rely on me." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong joking. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Yes, it was twisted." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney you give your casting vote to?" promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" companion quietly. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to happened." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a to his chemical studies. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've gives a meaning to it." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** nice household for a young lady." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was your Highness to the police-station?" if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible writing, and yet I know it well." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most James Windibank. Voilà tout!" intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he considering the formidable letters which were received by himself opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at gone. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, them present such singular features as the strange train of has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "Yes, but only for you and me." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "I assure you that I am in your hands." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "'How far from the body?' nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "She walked into the breakfast-room." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in shaken than I had ever seen him. of it with the greatest attention. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a advice." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "The best possible." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual than was visible to me." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "You have a clue?" "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked