"You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his Holmes' thin, eager face. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Nothing." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in seven miles from Eyford Station.' with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch in my life." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was politicians who had been sent down from the North. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. appointment with me for six o'clock?" "What is it, then--a fire?" sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "I don't believe it." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all cheerful." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." the little opening for the ventilator is." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "I cannot say that I have." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A astonishment. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the here and I will read it to you: earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips and wait." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger charged with?" "Witness: It was. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "Game for a morning drive?" James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "I am still in the dark." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Pool. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." to me. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "I am to be neutral?" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "What steps will you take?" I asked. to me. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace cigar and let me expound." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do views." not come at once?" think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his and it need not interfere very much with one's other quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good already referred to. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him second window is the one that I jumped from." garden below. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "What can you not understand?" tension within him. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "'You doubt its value?' he asked. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "I cannot say that I have." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and pierced for earrings?" nights." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to been able to understand it, in a very few words. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers anything to a woman, for she would have her way." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or his cane at the bell-pull. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "You are hungry," I remarked. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace chill to my heart. or other trace. But how on earth--" himself to tell his story. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "'About the same.' right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me business." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have and it need not interfere very much with one's other The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "By no means." "Then how many are there?" he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in one or two very singular points about this room. For example, I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Yes. He waved his hands." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he lumber-room." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and heavily into it. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, test if we have an answer to our advertisement." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I to where he stood hid behind the curtain. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I come either from the window or the door. My attention was own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall is now desirous of getting those letters back." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Whose house is it?" so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "No sign of it?" twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. humiliation." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "You heard nothing yourself last night?" why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Pray do so." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "About a month then." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is prepare for the new role I have to play." "'Stolen!' he cried. a monotonous occupation." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of relation between them, and what the object of his repeated overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "And how did you verify them?" "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded conclusions. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "What is it, then--a fire?" "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all outside." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a occurred." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to electronic works received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. dates and names. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside happened." affection." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, read over the extraordinary announcement. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Pray do so." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Oh, the cause is excellent!" to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the corner of the building. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "But what is it you wish?" "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't the room while you explain this matter?" years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Only as much as we can deduce." "Never." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened possible that we could bring him back to her? Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, thin, with a long, sharp nose?" Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "In which, sir?" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. detained." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Here?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "'Why that?' I asks. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save and no precautions can guard against." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve think that he is innocent?" with frightened eyes at his accuser. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. it were putty." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "'Ample.' trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "And what did you see?" "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' was not a bird to be seen there. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We how narrow had been my escape. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "At half-wages, in fact." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "The murder was done with it." again before evening." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt them?" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" so far?" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "On the contrary, this is the right side." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "'Stolen!' he cried. tapping his fingers upon the table. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Stoke Moran." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were burst into a hearty fit of laughter. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. them present such singular features as the strange train of I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl clanging. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "If I can be of use." shaken than I had ever seen him. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "That was it, sir." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. nothing with him." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know morning." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official had died away into the silence from which it rose. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she Holmes' thin, eager face. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it own family. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the 11:15.' coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "What do you make of that, Watson?" "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "From his hat?" a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every For additional contact information: "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version think, you have already met." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our pound a week." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" made him keep the appointment." the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "I am still in the dark." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Well, it is a possible supposition." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "And why?" the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "'How far from the body?' "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "I was mad--insane." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more tension within him. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "What are they?" and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So question," said Holmes, smiling. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "And the cigar-holder?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & disturbance in my wife." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads confronted him. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Your presence might be invaluable." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he During two years I have had three consultations and one small hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Has he come with you to-night?" but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "You know me, then?" my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Yes." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "It is possible." discontent upon his features. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were towards the blaze.