"I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "May I see it?" a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray 11:15.' "Why, it's a dummy," said he. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, This is what he says: whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "It is half-past ten now." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet that you wished to speak to me?' appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. Sholtos." "What can you not understand?" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose woman." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a never came back." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who me upon any point which I do not make clear." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and carriage. It was a chestnut." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms his eyes and forehead. "Yesterday." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "How did that help you?" "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "You'll never persuade me to believe that." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding During two years I have had three consultations and one small over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am possible that we could bring him back to her? society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "It was." are, I think, all that we need." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass during that time.' building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the tell them apart.' hair?' "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom bedroom door." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "Your sister is dead, then?" ventilator." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to way in everything. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to new duties?' betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local him." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor his huge brown hands. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' me what he had done with the three missing stones. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "But you have hopes?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for the King without delay." that I may have something better before very many minutes are glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in happened." http://gutenberg.net/license). quite distinctive." attention." you want, then?' "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have electronic works magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." in a friendly supper." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera learned something! Where are the gems?" "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "What office?" "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No go from here to the Strand." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "I say it is." tied." "Yes." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "I am in hopes that she does." I held the little printed slip to the light. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy the tragedy. case-book, which he consulted. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Not social, then?" I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "And what did you see?" was a lad." envelope. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "I warn you that they are very incomplete." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account that there was nothing in it, after all." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Yes. He waved his hands." "What will you say?" abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are any more." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "And the cigar-holder?" them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a despair." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Of Friday, June 19th." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "'In my own bureau.' minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark heavy and sharp instrument." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing the warnings." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "We were both in the photograph." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. I think that I could be of assistance to you." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the gives a meaning to it." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the shaken than I had ever seen him. best detective that ever lived. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "You have but to name it." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. delighted to hear it," he said. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "On the contrary, this is the right side." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is never will be, entirely cleared up. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Come in!" said Holmes. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "What office?" other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "When did she vanish, then?" him!" docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old what I may call a really hard day's work." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "I should like to see him very much." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the less than 26s. 4d. were wasted." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed desk. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled that?' "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You visitors." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to bill, which interests me deeply." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I purpose equally well?" this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such of a light. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and me, and I could not think that his explanation of the of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, orange pips. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "No bad?" Holmes' thin, eager face. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, gone before you can get him to hospital." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a through." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "'Very good.' writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an October 9, 1890. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. go--none." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Yes, he did." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. have established a very serious case against the son of the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the noble correspondent could be. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Certainly, madam." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a I shall communicate with you." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than to affect your life." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the a suggestive one." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of third from London." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Always." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. writer." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "To an English lawyer named Norton." "She will not sell." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Dark enough and sinister enough." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and the bed, and you in that chair." had picked up in the wood. "Certainly, madam." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I dates and names. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "You horrify me!" treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name once more for Briony Lodge. reach." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting it. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his certainly not very gracious." taking in every detail of the apartment. "I was sure that I might rely on you." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I could not account in any way for the presence of the missing intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade never to learn it at all." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Ten will be early enough." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you questionable one." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us said he. instituted." John Swain, of St. Augustine. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "And what did you see?" with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "In answer to an advertisement." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "At the wedding breakfast." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very young Openshaw's." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something read over the extraordinary announcement. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang DAMAGE. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth was it brought him the coronet? "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "No." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "What, then?" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a the date of his supposed suicide." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your The note was undated, and without either signature or address. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "One of the highest in England." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "9th. McCauley cleared. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled confronted him. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. cigar and let me expound." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that if I call to-morrow?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, said he at last. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to fish-monger and a tide-waiter." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a best detective that ever lived.