"He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "'You cannot say what it was?' "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "The best possible." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "And what did you learn from him?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my peculiar to him. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, your equipment. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. I leave." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "But how will you look?" instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder in darkness. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the he died? back alive. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." weary and pale-looking. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have results." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "And you can do nothing until then?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited a good hundred miles off by now." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away upon the white wrist. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. friends, not even his own brother. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "No." remarked. whether it answered to the description of any of their "But you were on a friendly footing?" correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three bonnet, and went out." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his bore every mark of being an average commonplace British reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right figure." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they presented which may be striking and bizarre without being a good hundred miles off by now." would apply.' The police have openly confessed that they can at present make Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work them?" fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from bonnet, and went out." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be to where he stood hid behind the curtain. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "'What are you doing there?' he asked. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "'And the work?' "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "The Coroner: What do you mean? band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" Count Von Kramm." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of prepare for the new role I have to play." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting to Leatherhead. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private I was concerned in it." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of *** START: FULL LICENSE *** the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Pray do so." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "Was the window open?" article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his have one." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "I have my revolver," said I. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could Lestrade of Scotland Yard." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "And why?" to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "I see no marks." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a any more." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We papers diligently of late, have you not?" to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "That is possible." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Always." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been see me here to avoid scandal." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in most important business. It is probable that he will be away all for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster opened a pocket-book and took out a note. telegram would bring me down to your help." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "In heaven's name, what for?" "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE not personally threatened." "Absolutely?" full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "But how?" post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of future lives." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "And did you observe any change in her then?" young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "It is a murder, then?" "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "Certainly." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the there were one or two details which were new to me. But the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "I see many objections to any such theory." chemical work which was so dear to him. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "'About the same.' cost them two and thirty pounds." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found people don't know." "And the cigar-holder?" adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he persecution?" absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return case before our client came into the room." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. to some other building. bill, which interests me deeply." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a events than those which have happened in my own family." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." and inquire as to the address." trifles." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The main points of my analysis." "I have hopes." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has he died? "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation tassel actually lying upon the pillow. go back?" think that he is innocent?" and looked back. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with and glanced through. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker his face which made him a very different person to the round, your room." is a common subject for conversation. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn him to go away.' It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no your room." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and and it need not interfere very much with one's other dates and names. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "How are you getting on?" the side-table." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. overpowering excitement and concern. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "I came to find a friend." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come late." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and to tackle the facts." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's helping a boy to put up the shutters. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "Certainly." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them more terrible than the truth. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but hurried by. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off absolutely follow my advice in every respect." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Yes, sir." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed fear." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the to surprise her." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that from the brougham. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "None." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. round and wave him away like that.' change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "And now?" I asked. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend me, and I could not think that his explanation of the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "It is possible." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "In heaven's name, what for?" way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "By no means." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "No bad?" I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" there!' "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "And what then?" the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Upon what point?" Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Not in a good cause." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "My dear Holmes!" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "No." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "I saw her in conversation with her maid." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of hair?' freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "I will, Miss Turner." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be train.' hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away fasten all the windows?" Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "You think that he is dead?" "It is half-past ten now." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An room. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us think that he is innocent?" We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "Thank you. And your address?" "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "I cannot imagine." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got