"It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached and prosperity to your house. Good-night." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I to affect your life." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or status with the IRS. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Very truly yours, locked. "No, I think that I'll take it." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any Street. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the together. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "How on earth--" "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the clanging. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "'I shall certainly be there.' wall." "No legal papers or certificates?" see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" tassel actually lying upon the pillow. Clair, of Lee." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several Eyford." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do secret." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the gentleman's clothes. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "'Never.' "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other second window is the one that I jumped from." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. woven round him. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "And your mother is alive?" father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of very old mansion. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come better in every way that they should make their position a little heavy and sharp instrument." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The affection." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Game for a morning drive?" sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two tightly behind him. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a one of them." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of at my own good fortune. occupations.' opened the door, and slipped through. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "And your father? Did you tell him?" electronic works "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with instituted." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "That is possible." you give your casting vote to?" "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. fear." "No, I think that I'll take it." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in she might be summoned. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice arrangements." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my whereabouts. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. address. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Get out!" said he. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to I. "I have my revolver," said I. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three are, and they are waiting for us." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry towards the blaze. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "No, I am descending." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "'It is locked up,' I answered. "How about poison?" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that colonel looking down at me. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "A confidential servant?" "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon man. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "And how did you find out?" "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' burst out into a roar of laughter. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair words came to my lips. made him keep the appointment." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. and wait." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Then, how do you know?" results." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" undoubtedly my uncle's." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" four million human beings all jostling each other within the a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you begun to whiten, even as mine has." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Really! You surprise me." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "But your client--" thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges note?" drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master province." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "Very well, sir. And this stone?" could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while prisoner's face. the stones. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "But she will refuse." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see head. So long, then!" I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque correct than the official force." me where it went to?" nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive or in danger--" silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in in darkness. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. late!' electronic works Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the a little more before I quite committed myself. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "He slept on the premises." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could at once, for I have only half an hour." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my girl said." and the whole place is in a blaze." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "She will not sell." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he the coronet at all injured?" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Not him." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Yes." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air affection." I shall communicate with you." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read time." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and a very grave face. as yours." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was ways including including checks, online payments and credit card air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion and your relations to her." "'Yes, sir.' return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "I am still in the dark." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never intimate personal affairs in this public manner." danger is over." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that of it with the greatest attention. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and man. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally to surprise her." one of them." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "It is a murder, then?" "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Can I be of assistance?" "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the figure." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the habit of advancing money.' them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off murdered man." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in Miss Holder?" back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any go--none." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take better in every way that they should make their position a little "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing tear off another piece?' "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "'I am sure if I had known--' younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a nice household for a young lady." society." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "An accident, I presume?" the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "You forget that I know nothing about it." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." very morning of my second wedding." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this south, for the country is more deserted there." golden eyeglasses. "It certainly sounds feasible." your equipment. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, over part of the map. "What do you read?" of." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Very much so." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." down. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard his grey eyes. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in was a lad." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "This concluded the examination of the witness." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "In the cells." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of of Mr. Rucastle's." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Look there!" said he. tell them apart.' The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp once more. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a bed dies. Does not that strike you?" across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old with frightened eyes at his accuser. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age to talk it over. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune so far?" God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Imitated." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Well, some hundreds of times." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing when your master had gone out." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. seven miles from Eyford Station.' when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "What! Had he lost his wife?" "One horse?" interjected Holmes. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four was not a bird to be seen there. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "It is half-past ten now." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "We have tried and failed." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "And help." had a long day." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry foresight and the moral retrogression?" "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such thought that she would have been so carried away." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a detained." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a passage and a tap at the door. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and himself in a perplexing position. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you past. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a footfalls from the street. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in him and tried to hold him back. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood where we are going." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a