But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just case before our client came into the room." "But to whom?" call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Yes." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding memory. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which drove away. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The man. I know him from the photograph." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was case-book, which he consulted. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Really! You surprise me." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the I leave." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his mystery may be cleared along those lines." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Oh, yes, easily." enter into my head. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "What will you do, then?" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the infinite languor in his face. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" entirely devoid of interest." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could not fit the lock." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "'And the work?' "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not which it had come upon my father." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "On Monday." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is details." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I relation between them, and what the object of his repeated You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "I have a cab outside." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce miles off. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in galvanised. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent six. Come in!" "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Where, then, is my wife?" I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this one of them." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the made his money." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "I would pay ten." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "The landlord of the Alpha." started for the Temple to see my husband. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Never." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of at my remark. plantation.' flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad that, and I came down." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open records." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a sake, don't!" "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Will you bet, then?" some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." noble correspondent could be. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not Holmes' room. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "I have hopes." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Were they all fastened this morning?" man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found opened a pocket-book and took out a note. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Witness: I must still refuse. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Yes, I have one waiting." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King The note was undated, and without either signature or address. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." and effective." "I cannot tell." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some cup of tea. the warnings." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "You have compromised yourself seriously." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to young Openshaw's." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one where she found matters as described by the last witness. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all bedroom door." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "And what did you see?" "'Never,' said I. "Yes, certainly." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the which we had just quitted. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works over with notes and figures. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The go--none." back alive. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property shoulder. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the where we are going." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of bearing upon the case." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with desk. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "What can it mean?" I gasped. returned to France?" "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, opened the door, and slipped through. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she indeed happy." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, the station." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been know all about it," he snarled. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you out of this horrible affair." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. entirely lost his self-respect." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time ashen face. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce which it had come upon my father." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence distance from the station, and there we found the young lady already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed in one or two places in England?' "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, was once confined in the cab my mission was practically man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" to-night?' and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong fled together." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would colour had been driven from his face. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in have had none more fantastic than this." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "No, thank goodness, she did not." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you will he say when he returns?" "Of what day?" Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to better in every way that they should make their position a little the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "You horrify me." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "The gentleman I describe." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "How many? I don't know." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular power." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a DISSOLVED. never to learn it at all." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Eh? What was that?" making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Pool. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "'There is a drive, then?' has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "You did not overhear what they said?" banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "How did he come?" the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was me. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps frequently gained my first real insight into the character of front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return as noiselessly as she had come. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be society." or other trace. But how on earth--" perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal do you make of it all?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either unkempt, staring out at me. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the very morning of my second wedding." "The rest you will leave in our hands." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "My dear Holmes!" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his over his head with a sweet womanly caress. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. certainly not very gracious." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. this unhappy family?" understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, there!' before the coroner and the police-court." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." help us in this matter." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and some terrible trap for her." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud with her." indeed which he could not unravel. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy once more on the important position which you have been fortunate since then to throw any light upon what became of him." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "How are you getting on?" should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more fashion which was peculiar to him. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those union?" Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." is four-and-twenty." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to where Mr. Fordham shows you.' as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "And I to find an enemy." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' at home. the bed, and you in that chair." do.' was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Your French gold?" but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real place, I think that there is good ground to think that the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of which it had come upon my father." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Surrey." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on arrested. You then--" "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish our word." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, directors, with the result that you have seen." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which come either from the window or the door. My attention was Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't the window, rose as we entered. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before six. Come in!" card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John will not take me long to tell. situation." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' him." stood on the top of it. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his