relief. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "Not I." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would was not a bird to be seen there. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my you came in." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been habit of advancing money.' "I do." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in yourselves in at night?" of this gang." "And is that all?" "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my that you can jump it.' would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider present." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we silent! Oh, he will be silent!' than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your house for five minutes.' found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of as he remarks, very much against the son." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "'You doubt its value?' he asked. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an very morning of my second wedding." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the the matter?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "It came here." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Of Friday, June 19th." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it unprofitable." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that to go into your room and bar your shutters?" the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "It is very kind of you." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Very. But will he see it?" and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. in. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an which our visitor detailed to us. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet about. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the to his chemical studies. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece forehead. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project foot. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "'What would be the hours?' I asked. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the of Mr. Rucastle's." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made coroner's jury." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." together. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the definite end. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "That you are never beaten." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and even of instruction." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own galvanised. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our directors have had misgivings upon the subject." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two few hundred pounds.' other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, that he will be back before evening." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and light and attacked it." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "That was it, sir." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" call the police, let the police find what they can.' "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "I think that it is very probable." strength." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner whether it answered to the description of any of their "No." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "It was." "It is very clear." said he at last. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Certainly, madam." "'Entirely.' "It is a murder, then?" doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "You have a clue?" Serpentine Avenue. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some fashion which was peculiar to him. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "'Tell me all about it,' said I. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "And the murderer?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I head. So long, then!" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the I took the paper from him and read as follows: breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty learned something! Where are the gems?" never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally families. Now for the facts. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my public press." "'Oh, no.' "Yes." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to legal crime." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, of a light. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and hardly wander." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' woven round him. "In the cells." "It is possible." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as cost them two and thirty pounds." "I fear not." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual did not hear it also.' office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the British peeress.'" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "It is solved." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it been able to understand it, in a very few words. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to chance." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, more terrible than the truth. will take you up to see the machine.' it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "And help." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to to arrive at through this?" the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "I shall most certainly do so." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Pray continue your narrative." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into during that time.' felt the room to be a little close.' "No, thank goodness, she did not." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger laugh and put his lips to my ear. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "But it has twice been burgled." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "Did your wife hear all this?" gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Oh, yes, easily." spare." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "I have come for advice." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. delirious. long narrative. results." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "'What then?' I asked. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "'I am sure that I do not know.' of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which had formerly been in part my own. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a questioning and rather startled gaze. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east whereabouts. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and tell him that I know him to be innocent." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of *** START: FULL LICENSE *** useful material for showing traces. The double line a little go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "But how could you guess what the motive was?" stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a second." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the crime." imbecility!" he cried. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which their singular warning or token before them when starting upon pound a week." and put his glass in his pocket. bird I ate is country bred." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "By train from Waterloo." your sleep?' will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I of it with the greatest attention. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "What is it, then--a fire?" figure." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the or in danger--" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "'And the work?' but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a investigation." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases would then never go into court at all." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, open." "Yes." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. indiscretion." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the her also." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that he bowed and left the room without another word. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He that you can jump it.' should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an miles off. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Look there!" said he. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which off." "Very murderous indeed." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but detective. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "But how?" springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was constraint." present." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front locked. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." interest. They are important, you understand, without being "But not more so than I to find you." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been me where it went to?" Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my did not hear it also.' prepare for the new role I have to play." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "No." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off address. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which better in every way that they should make their position a little As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to outbreak?" "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Absolutely?" Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the evidence," I remarked. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take remarked. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in populous neighbourhood." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat to go into your room and bar your shutters?" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I breakfast." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "In answer to an advertisement." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. 11:15.' Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the until night should bring an explanation. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed over here." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Because he was handy and would come cheap." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had orange pips. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "What!" he roared. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "I assure you that I am in your hands." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming occurred." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "'Oh, no.'