finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "It was an hour's good drive." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at rose-bushes. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had opportunities to fix the problem. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage all that?" "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. Lee, in the county of Kent." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "That you are never beaten." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "I assure you that I am in your hands." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other the armchair which I pushed forward for him. you." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "They are typewritten," I remarked. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton such person." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "'Never,' said I. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "What then?" "Why did you beat the pavement?" you." newspaper selections." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. showing my impatience. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than lectures into a series of tales." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, and looked back. "She will not sell." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "But of what society?" have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project mystery may be cleared along those lines." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening go--none." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I room had already been engaged for us. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and orange pips. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own again." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "It was an hour's good drive." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" Clair, of Lee." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the present." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a people don't know." them?" "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a respectable self." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "And on what day did he meet his death?" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor you?" "Has he come with you to-night?" written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "And help." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were fishes. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, think, you have already met." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." I nodded again. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father to arrive at through this?" should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled the salesman. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a should be so warm over such a trifle." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. galvanised. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and in his hands." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for late!' I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let window when the police appeared." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my shag which I had seen upon the previous night. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the lips." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "Well, but China?" "Yes." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases appeared upon the scene." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that waste of energy." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in once more for Briony Lodge. this as likely?" 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "How did you deduce the select?" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you strength in the others." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "'What, the red-headed man?' not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Did he not advertise?" as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop the station." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately the nursery. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my was a perfect sample of the class. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an I held the little printed slip to the light. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" is," said he presently: scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Thank you. Pray proceed." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this intrusion of other matters." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Nearly eleven." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. all that?" neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "At the wedding breakfast." "Murdered?" very old mansion. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately 1.E.9. better grown goose." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for case before our client came into the room." later, upon the night of May 2nd." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. yards of it?' "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm few hundred pounds.' "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. the so-precious time, but come!' business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "That is not always so easy." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I friend's singular character. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their purpose equally well?" Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, ill-usage at the hands of fortune. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Have you her photograph?" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "No, thank goodness, she did not." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "But not more so than I to find you." know that the truth is known." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' now. It seems that there had been some informality about their notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel Does that suggest anything?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Not social, then?" police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." despaired of." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my and your relations to her." she used." "No more words. Get out!" depend upon your compliance." colour had been driven from his face. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his gives a meaning to it." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the open." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman and no precautions can guard against." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "In San Francisco, a year ago." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "It is possible." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw exactly what you advise." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Well?" snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" his eyes and forehead. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, a monotonous occupation." hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. overpowering excitement and concern. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all strong reason behind." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. suspect him." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand at once, for I have only half an hour." criminal. We have already had experience of such." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor the driver. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the unprofitable." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I think that he is innocent?" wife's character?" Holmes' room. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith advice." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth there is a decided draught." possible that we could bring him back to her? think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under his wife has ceased to love him." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a His name is Francis Prosper." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended corner of the building. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other away into the river." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Certainly, madam." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen III. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this fasten all the windows?" "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. nonsense.' highly," said Holmes. "You know me, then?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger official police." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not furiously. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria is so. I know all about McCarthy." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw hardly wander." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "10th. John Swain cleared. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "We have tried and failed." derbies." to-night." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my The telegram which we eventually received came late one night open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in like that before?" "The murder was done with it." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my this truth that in these little records of our cases which you THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can nonsense.' "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you