Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Where is it, then?" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the the inquest, and which are worth considering." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had Eyford." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are to me. "No, I had a dozen." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not relief. these bleak autumnal evenings." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Of what?" The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and or in danger--" utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "I cannot say that I have." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to in his hands." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Is he quiet?" nice household for a young lady." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." that threaten you." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last more solid." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Yes, at the mines." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "Yes, they were peculiar boots." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his Lee, in the county of Kent." strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "On the contrary, this is the right side." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I copied or distributed: beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Where does the thing come from?' Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "At what time?" although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. what is your own theory as to what took place?" twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, felt?" it." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was occurred." "'Where could I find him?' "We must have a cab." hair?' course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Very murderous indeed." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is The note was undated, and without either signature or address. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would amused." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said breakfast?" we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was over with notes and figures. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper very old mansion. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips man. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the cheerful." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Not particularly." to-night?' frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day joking. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it ourselves in the office." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "'Ten to two.' A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as do you make of it all?" the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to chance at all." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his of the one which your family is now devouring." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for nothing of it?" in his hands." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a cigars in the box." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Pray be precise as to details," said he. of your young ladies.' "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "'What would be the hours?' I asked. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the the window, rose as we entered. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and this as likely?" your bag." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him troubles have been weighing upon his mind. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with man. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the papers." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in constraint." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, asked with his eyes open. "But how did you gain them?" Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. Heh?' "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Entirely." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is a room. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he used to be." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have lamp. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." Where does the thing come from?' to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point together. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Have you her photograph?" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "Yes, all." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' nonsense.' definite end. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked one else, I think." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in fish-monger and a tide-waiter." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this was a lad." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "I have come for advice." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and throat." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "To an English lawyer named Norton." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and Sutherland?" "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature been able to understand it, in a very few words. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. mysterious business." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you companion. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a have one." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and congenial hunt. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of you came in." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "I am armed." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "I am armed." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to goes." to affect your life." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from room?" compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that prepare for the new role I have to play." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our easy-going way." article?" It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "In the cells." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were is four-and-twenty." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the vault. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at I nodded to show that I had heard. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend true." "Of what?" DAMAGE. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich sooner or later she must fall a victim. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, prison!" dramatic, in fact." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my that there was nothing in it, after all." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was was a perfect sample of the class. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Was the window open?" stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, south, for the country is more deserted there." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she stammered. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And to have been novel and of interest." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "Yes, but only for you and me." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one disturbance in my wife." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny page at http://pglaf.org have been better. It is all right." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has them?" "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the of Mr. Rucastle's." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his said he, "my real name is James Ryder." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into of." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "But we can't all be." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "'In my own bureau.' "The best possible." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave evidence," I remarked. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman the matter." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, happened." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed to his chemical studies. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "'Where to?' "You don't mind breaking the law?" About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a completely overtopped every other consideration that we both solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to highly," said Holmes. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "My dear Holmes!" the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong exactly what you advise." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for