flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "One of the highest in England." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and I think that I could be of assistance to you." that I can to serve you." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done before, for it was considerably after midnight. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when shall not find me ungrateful." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "Only as much as we can deduce." "No." coroner's jury." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. you." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or open." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." call the police, let the police find what they can.' or other trace. But how on earth--" "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may bell. Holmes whistled. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which at my own good fortune. she to prove their authenticity?" "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in the stones. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "'A dozen yards or so.' "No sign of it?" tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced outsides of the windows. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, see a sister of mine apply for." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now strode off upon his way. not fit the lock." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to Mary, has deserted me." and laid it on the table. "'What, the red-headed man?' small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. here and I will read it to you: "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point chair. "Precisely." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "But he might be a bachelor." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to works. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the the tragedy. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four that you saw all that I did." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we second." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" shag which I had seen upon the previous night. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' this remarkable episode. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our IS once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I at a side door. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I our word." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no views." "Was she in good spirits?" that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat Pool. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "I should wish to." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his discontent upon his features. at my remark. shall use the carriage to-night." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. the morning and make my own way in the world.' my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Pray continue your narrative." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, brain must have something in it." "And Irene Adler?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously questioning and rather startled gaze. What do you deduce from it?" that he will be back before evening." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "My dear Holmes!" "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "How did you trace it, then?" "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed guilty one." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. leaning back in his chair. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than business came to an end." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the Gutenberg-tm License. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of three of the beryls in it, was missing. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "'And the work?' as noiselessly as she had come. "Nothing?" "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Perhaps we may make them less so." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold hair?' suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, your equipment. photograph a cabinet?" "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "How often?" tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "Then I do not see the point." interests were the same as his." and wait." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special pressing in one house as in another. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and sound at heart." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "Yes. He waved his hands." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain bachelor.' the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "'Is 4 pounds a week.' disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his my special province." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he into the room. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I empty. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at chance at all." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several to you." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a matters immensely." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you opportunities to fix the problem. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "We were both in the photograph." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," future lives." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not What do you deduce from it?" "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with matters immensely." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Do you go out much in society?" responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her clanging. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it and files of the old papers, following the future career of every afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "At what time?" vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact that I can to serve you." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." unclasping of his long thin hands. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey nothing with him." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I impression behind it as though a window had gently closed his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "What! Had he lost his wife?" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "'Yes, I promise.' the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the mystery!" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "He slept on the premises." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "And why in hopes?" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot night.' said he. "I will not look." highroad, where all traces were lost. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Where, then, is my wife?" country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would But Holmes shook his head gravely. of Fenchurch Street." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land me upon any point which I do not make clear." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my south, for the country is more deserted there." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out straighten it?" low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their you found me to-night--and running through the front room she We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Never to return." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, himself to tell his story. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we Eyford at 11:15.' Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Very murderous indeed." any more." "Yes." I held the little printed slip to the light. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes wedding?" pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, himself in a perplexing position. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "'Is 4 pounds a week.' her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "Not yet." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "How on earth--" it right.' good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own