"We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Certainly." "Then, as to money?" "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself fled together." posted to-day." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Yes." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not green of the new foliage. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "But he might be a bachelor." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the easy-going way." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but least a most suspicious remark." generous with you in money matters.' "Married! When?" I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send conceal it?" done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Nothing." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly call for it in person on Monday morning.' the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "I am still in the dark." Watson," he said cordially. "The murder was done with it." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my who was a member of your goose club." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Frequently." Henry Baker is a member." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a prepare for the new role I have to play." "Ha! you find it so?" about here speaks of his kindness to him." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they Gutenberg-tm License. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Stoke Moran?" said he. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once is a common subject for conversation. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "How many? I don't know." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "I am all attention, madam." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." instincts rose up against that laugh. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid have been better. It is all right." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was will find little credit to be gained out of this case." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any you." becomes even more simple." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "A greater distance to travel." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his Holmes' room. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, over part of the map. "What do you read?" "In heaven's name, what for?" baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to late!' shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me the loss of it. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "A call for help, you thought?" "Certainly." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat question. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building I approached. "The Cedars?" over his head with a sweet womanly caress. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took awaited us upon the table. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon was feeling which was the fattest.' observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Was there a secret marriage?" We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and three of the beryls in it, was missing. than to us. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom foot. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "On the contrary, this is the right side." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? information in his hands the value of which he did not himself Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "Not social, then?" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "I never have." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of Cross for the Continent." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort next day. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Perhaps I have." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "A greater distance to travel." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "BALLARAT." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed the little opening for the ventilator is." your own bird, so if you wish--" Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and married her." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, room had already been engaged for us. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Could he throw no light?" cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found locked." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "I will not look." "I cannot say that I have." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing bore every mark of being an average commonplace British fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "And did you observe any change in her then?" groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go woven round him. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' wedding?" come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" cup of tea. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as woman." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "Ten will be early enough." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "'I am sure if I had known--' play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "It is his hat." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Well?" dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the asked. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "You did not overhear what they said?" and looked back. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Again Holmes raved in the air. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to the child." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such not within a twentieth part of the market price." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on so far?" another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Dr. Becher's." leaning back in his chair. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been Foundation the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. better in every way that they should make their position a little "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Yes, from Horsham." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" of your young ladies.' "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "It is solved." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "No more words. Get out!" marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "'I have already given you my word.' "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could ran thus: at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my closely." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "And I." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of sparkled upon his finger. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's seven miles from Eyford Station.' think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Certainly." suddenly upon us." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Just look it up, then." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as cigars in their mouths. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." ceremony." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to desk. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came writers could invent nothing more crude." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no danger is over." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four once more to my work. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to hard-headed British jury." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "'Quite sure, dad.' and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Your sister is dead, then?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "There are none." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "You think so, too?" relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon more solid." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. always that they were such commands as a lady might with expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Which surely he restored to their owner?" complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Really! You surprise me." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "The landlord of the Alpha." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search one of them." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." and effective." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to security.' shall not find me ungrateful." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' burst into a hearty fit of laughter. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a became a certainty. away into the river." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly grasp, he hurried from the room. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to him." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Texas, I think." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Of what day?" had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the