showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Did he not advertise?" "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied green of the new foliage. "You horrify me." "Which are?" "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which villagers almost as much as their master. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has appeal." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who hour." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. during which he might have communicated with his friend the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a of a light. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents that I may have something better before very many minutes are the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "It's nothing of the kind." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms him nearly every evening." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which Heh?' and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross whereabouts. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "'What then?' I asked. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, populous neighbourhood." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "How long did she speak to this Alice?" exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the already been minutely examined." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be undoubtedly my uncle's." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, other, as fresh and trim as possible. careless servant girl?" 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. is now desirous of getting those letters back." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may the house with me." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his come either from the window or the door. My attention was forecastle of an emigrant ship. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive come either from the window or the door. My attention was north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "'Yes, I promise.' "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend together. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell all?" must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "It is possible." "What! Had he lost his wife?" Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a about here speaks of his kindness to him." gone before you can get him to hospital." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and crowd. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. way in." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need morning." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Yes." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by sake, don't!" caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been had picked up in the wood. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "I beg pardon." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. these bleak autumnal evenings." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the country, and eventually married, without anyone having a it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "There are none." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such at once, for I have only half an hour." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was one which it was hard to resist. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Could he throw no light?" been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong then?" grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the affair. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I in him." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Certainly, madam." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard throat." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. During two years I have had three consultations and one small "The gentleman I describe." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his that he will be back before evening." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Farm upon the left." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "And I say east," said my patient. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to in a friendly supper." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, crackling voice. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by knowledge of the world." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "No." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "And what then?" Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate salesman. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Yes." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been paper in the air. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the bedroom door." "But how?" she might be summoned. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official forehead. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases been deceived." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through is worth.' down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his upon the sideboard." way: were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You most interesting one." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." ago." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to power." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "'Ten to two.' sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who forbidden door. "Then you may entirely rely on me." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense himself to hunt down. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "The knees of his trousers." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and friends, not even his own brother. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was records." "'Certainly,' I answered. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned are, I think, all that we need." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home writers could invent nothing more crude." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Why serious?" following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her to go into your room and bar your shutters?" common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to events, Mr. Windibank!" Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door the matter?" "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect bearing upon the case." "Then, how do you know?" little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." it." disappearance of these gems?" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your looking up at the numbers of the houses." during which he might have communicated with his friend the "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to know all about it," he snarled. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." of the vacancies.' "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill my secret was safe in his possession. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Absolutely none." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian suggested at once that there must be a communication between the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "'Yes, I promise.' "An accident, I presume?" "And how have you succeeded?" grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "There is the writing." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off round with crates and massive boxes. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" chill to my heart. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was official police." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "'Yes.' access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of from you?" "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I second window is the one that I jumped from." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "That is not always so easy." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "None. Neville wrote those words." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "Get out!" said he. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I Where does the thing come from?' his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Never." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from some water from a caraffe. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable that I can to serve you." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Will you go?" yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the questioning and rather startled gaze. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The tension within him. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Very murderous indeed." his eyes and forehead. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "So I am. Very much so." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Yes, at the mines." both be extremely obliged.' instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "No legal papers or certificates?" despaired of." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, out of this horrible affair." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." Foundation "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Upon what point?" about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Holmes, the busybody!" "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "Was she in good spirits?" "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This time." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included obstinate." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In garden below. purpose of examination. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Then, how do you know?" Project Gutenberg-tm works. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his