tear off another piece?' tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was get her out of the way." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a Sutherland. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Then I do not see the point." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." just ask you whether you had heard it.' it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at coroner's jury." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On three fields round his house, and there he would take his month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Who was the criminal, then?" could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, shadow pass over his face as I spoke. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in most important business. It is probable that he will be away all moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." as he remarks, very much against the son." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "I am about to be married." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my brain must have something in it." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "No?" "What have you to say now?" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Yes." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears I think that I could be of assistance to you." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "The King of Scandinavia." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. see a sister of mine apply for." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "'Yes, it was gone.' and laid it on the table. "Then, as to money?" "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. dates and names. "Your French gold?" very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching strong reason behind." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I the bottom.' observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be said Mr. Holder. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "A client, then?" The events in question occurred in the early days of my town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "What then?" consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." one else, I think." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major behind me. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of subject to the trademark license, especially commercial akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Pray continue your narrative." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "When did it break out?" imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may read it out to me." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an business in the City. She little knew what. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "'Where could I find him?' upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "What can you not understand?" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. enough to aid us in our search." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "How many? I don't know." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "The decline of his fortunes, then?" bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads ashen face. Stoke Moran." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Your presence might be invaluable." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of did not hear it also.' reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong orange pips. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There good-night and bustled off upon her way. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from October 9, 1890. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in arrangements." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out directors, with the result that you have seen." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, fear." wall." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are formed some opinion?" "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated at a side door. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "What! You do not mean bodies?" little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do this poor creature." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped if I call to-morrow?" in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was the iron safe, which he closed upon it. the tragedy. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Pray tell us what has happened to you." vanished into the darkness. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had golden eyeglasses. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "And why?" "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official subject to the trademark license, especially commercial hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "'Most admirably.' say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt mystery!" ago." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself I held the little printed slip to the light. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "No, but the enclosure is." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you or in danger--" most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes memory. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your politicians who had been sent down from the North. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the with you alone." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his maiden herself was most instructive." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, so.' commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after are windows in it, of course?" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very mysterious business." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is married her." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution for and were ordered to this address. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Certainly." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my father's place of business?" shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the unprofitable." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "And I say east," said my patient. in the port of London." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the late!' third from London." "Holmes, the busybody!" "I should wish to." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I matter." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Again Holmes raved in the air. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." putting in the horse. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our legal crime." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: business matters.' and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of Eyford." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and morning." "It missed him, then?" metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has cup of tea. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to You want to know what became of those geese?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. Street. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "You think so, too?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "I will not look." were wasted." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. fattened it expressly for you.' "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a the house with me." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "What have you to say now?" is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the locked." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, once more to my work. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, we went to search for him, face downward in a little also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." seven miles from Eyford Station.' flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. most interesting one." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been this poor creature." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and appeal." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three of Fenchurch Street." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her himself to hunt down. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the him, that man would not have given me such complete information thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "What have you to say now?" the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for nights." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "I have my revolver," said I. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "BALLARAT." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "How are you getting on?" "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You of receipt of the work. "Witness: It was. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "At what time?" and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see woman who has had her own way to make in the world. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' our word." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "And your mother is alive?" "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even bedroom door." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually that, and I came down." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler that you saw all that I did." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of which it had come upon my father." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor