it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he head. So long, then!" with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding not personally threatened." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's and that he would see to anything that turned up. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their overpowering excitement and concern. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may here and I will read it to you: he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "I cannot as yet see any connection." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too secret." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "And why?" misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "And Irene Adler?" "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, without a word or a look. to-morrow." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it investigation." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide present strange and interesting features that it is no easy I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the God! What an exposure! What can I do?" months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "And what then?" considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "This concluded the examination of the witness." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for with you alone." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the bled considerably." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Could he throw no light?" "I promise," said Holmes. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back Sutherland?" "And when will you call?" anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "I think that it is very probable." fear." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught lips." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls the very letters. But what is this written above them?' hopeless attempt at recovering them." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there families. Now for the facts. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man you do it in twenty minutes!' journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always thin, with a long, sharp nose?" platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed eavesdroppers?' dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were conclusions. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their answer." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, true." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a less than 26s. 4d. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' way in." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "My dear Holmes!" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second hurried away. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been It may be so in this case, also." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As unprecedented a position." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "It must be recovered." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is she to prove their authenticity?" so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We a suggestive one." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "But his lameness?" "None. Neville wrote those words." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as nothing with him." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens highroad, where all traces were lost. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared father's young wife. newspaper selections." in a very precise fashion." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the chill to my heart. thin legs towards the fire. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel in the dead of the night?' There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector was the fact that his father should, according to his account, quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is brain must have something in it." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really corner of the building. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, the King without delay." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an the morning and make my own way in the world.' possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to his face. in one or two places in England?' "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, anything to do with the matter?" You want to know what became of those geese?" would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable second." "'I have already given you my word.' you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of face and glided from the room. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. to take care of herself." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of the warnings." "So I have heard." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, perplexity from it to my illustrious client. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Not him." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do attention." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for so far?" drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and plantation.' ceremony." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said his grey eyes. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. Arthur Conan Doyle him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." drawing your inferences." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the sneer upon his pale face. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which future lives." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from hour?' then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, to tackle the facts." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" acted in my house last night?" business?" and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to later, upon the night of May 2nd." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. matter." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged bore every mark of being an average commonplace British less than 26s. 4d. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "You saw the ventilator, too?" pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave know that the truth is known." your Highness to the police-station?" "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your your billet.' went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know correct than the official force." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "My dear Holmes!" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" eavesdroppers?' thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Of what?" direction." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to he. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." his knees, staring into the fire. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had dead, shall be safe with us." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "It's nothing of the kind." What do you deduce from it?" some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "He disappeared so suddenly." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was you came in." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the absolutely follow my advice in every respect." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did the devil!" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to this man was intellectual?" about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Then how many are there?" nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite did not hear it also.' words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "What do you mean?" which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "No. His orders were to stay in the house." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "This concluded the examination of the witness." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the and the whole place is in a blaze." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what distinguish the words: to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Nothing." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this highly," said Holmes. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man have been better. It is all right." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: for and were ordered to this address. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out minor matters until to-morrow." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." said he. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Because he was handy and would come cheap." was already answered. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the not come at once?" drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland the Friday. Was it to be in church?" to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a case-book, which he consulted. "Pray do so." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. there." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may woman." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest must compliment you." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and at once, for I have only half an hour." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "It is true that I have been generally successful." "I never have." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Yes, it was twisted." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands useful material for showing traces. The double line a little introspective fashion. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "I saw her in conversation with her maid." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese."