preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Nor running a chance of arrest?" when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "It is to him that this trophy belongs." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Young McCarthy must be got off, however." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "No bad?" refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an the ceiling. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Stolen, then." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. and have this put in the evening papers." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "When did it break out?" and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the matter." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless minor matters until to-morrow." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell amused." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." made him keep the appointment." conduct the inquiry." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Was the window open?" A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were events, Mr. Windibank!" possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "And you thought he was pulled back?" sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "But how will you look?" in my life." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, mystery!" wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "'Certainly not.' "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, the dangers which encompass me." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her you in yours." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Then the page we have seen--" which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "I will get her to show me." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and woman who has had her own way to make in the world. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged neither fascinating nor artistic." seven miles from Eyford Station.' gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have hopeless attempt at recovering them." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "How many? I don't know." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is to-night." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "In which, sir?" a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, been anything against him. He had for years been known as a which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the fat-encircled eyes. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable disappearance of the bride.'" happened." "That also I could fathom." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody villagers almost as much as their master. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Pope's Court. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Pray continue your narrative." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah that before taking the final step I should like to submit the this man was intellectual?" practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to his huge brown hands. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Precisely so. But how--" exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "But I am all in the dark." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "What steps will you take?" I asked. "'A dozen yards or so.' "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, morning." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "But his left-handedness." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your south, for the country is more deserted there." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, will find little credit to be gained out of this case." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. dead, shall be safe with us." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "I am about to be married." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "How did he come?" would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in sneer upon his pale face. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose it means?" bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "'Then let me do so?' Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I as noiselessly as she had come. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in too. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord relief. made his money." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, answered with a sidelong glance. his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, ordinary clothes on?" tear off another piece?' minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Perfectly so." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "I shall most certainly do so." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" in him." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Not in a good cause." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "How many? I don't know." "My Mary? Impossible!" the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six prove to be little relation between the different incidents of among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "'Yes, sir.' go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "It is possible." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but silent! Oh, he will be silent!' He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of bell. Holmes whistled. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "The Cedars?" "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with to arrive at through this?" pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others the matter." "There are none." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, noting anything else of interest. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to was a loud and authoritative tap. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a instituted." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "No, but the enclosure is." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if eavesdroppers?' "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called will not take me long to tell. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "And is that all?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his it." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "What shall I do?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is politicians who had been sent down from the North. one of the states of the Union." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Precisely." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible business." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to envelope. salesman. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "That is easily got." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." and the church but not where the lady lived." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any read over the extraordinary announcement. held up the lantern and gazed about him. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from questionable one." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's enough to aid us in our search." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was like that before?" "How did you deduce the select?" of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "None." "Well." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "I shall be delighted." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. directly by questioning you." envelope. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be system of imprisonment?" tension within him. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "You horrify me." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been better in every way that they should make their position a little reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend later, upon the night of May 2nd." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to key turn in the lock." fattened it expressly for you.' "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am opportunities to fix the problem. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open is so. I know all about McCarthy." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "What do you mean?" waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? hands. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "How about poison?" upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment 'please.'" "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "You have carte blanche." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to like gravel from a pit.' papers." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, skylight. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Well." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "What of the rat, then?" "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. events, Mr. Windibank!" bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted down from London to inquire more deeply into it." for and were ordered to this address. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this cause to be." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position and a shock of very red hair. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" taking in every detail of the apartment. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? was lame." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he becomes even more simple."