and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "That is also quite modern," said the lady. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked observed. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "I should be immensely obliged to you." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second pierced for earrings?" unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "It is very kind of you." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been Have you good authority for what you say?" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until flock.' no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was writing, and yet I know it well." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present other means.' commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life both be extremely obliged.' perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over out." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Yes, all." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening future lives." the driver. "Will you bet, then?" is acting for the best. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his stalked out of the room. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been and that he would see to anything that turned up. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "And it is--" fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old extraordinary contortions. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. once more to my work. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." his forehead." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." recover the gem." "That is easily got." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My look dissatisfied." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six secret." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper some place of shelter and let the county police know what has Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "You don't mind breaking the law?" foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the power." never to learn it at all." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, answered with a sidelong glance. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "No legal papers or certificates?" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the purpose equally well?" plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the His smile broadened. here." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been the date of his supposed suicide." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "I do." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way burst into a hearty fit of laughter. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, be sorry for having acted so harshly." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "'A dozen yards or so.' "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of down in his armchair and closing his eyes. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Oh, yes, easily." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at your only hope of safety." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it bare slabs of marble. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Precisely." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to questionable one." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but done what I asked you, Jones?" came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, not fit the lock." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master introspective fashion. "So I heard. You have him here?" swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of maid will bring up your coffee." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "'Why that?' I asks. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed might help us?" will take you up to see the machine.' "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "'Never,' said I. behind me. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more cheerful." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms that you can jump it.' glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended off." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "It's nothing of the kind." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; disturbance in my wife." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "What!" he roared. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. what I may call a really hard day's work." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself envelope. to-night?' nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I late!' most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "This photograph!" and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four next day. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "And what did you learn from him?" and all of them with the keenest interest. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, name is different." seen the man in the road." "We have tried and failed." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. seven miles from Eyford Station.' He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I towards the blaze. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to o'clock is it?" practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is she used." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of or in danger--" "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my not within a twentieth part of the market price." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance there was no need for father to know." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same assist you in forming an opinion." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "And how in the world did you find them?" minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was least a most suspicious remark." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety seven miles from Eyford Station.' Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed highly," said Holmes. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together to arrive at through this?" could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the stood on the top of it. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have and it need not interfere very much with one's other "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a went to the Alpha were town bred." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the cup of tea. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on never will be, entirely cleared up. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the village inn over there?" days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "'Tell me all about it,' said I. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the train.' black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "No, thank goodness, she did not." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "What shall I do?" "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and other lovers by making love himself." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Then I am your man." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do points in connection with it which never have been, and probably coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, compunction about shooting them down." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But might help us?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how brought there to personate someone, and the real person is halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "In which, sir?" am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "I see many objections to any such theory." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of in a friendly supper." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind the running down." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "We must sit without light. He would see it through the connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will extraordinary contortions. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a bill, which interests me deeply." "Nearly eleven." bearing upon the case." room had already been engaged for us. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his one or two very singular points about this room. For example, will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who Sholtos." fuss that is made over them." I. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is any." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to there was no need for father to know." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." guilty one." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal crime. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "One?" "So it appears." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "There is the writing." http://www.gutenberg.net "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "How long did she speak to this Alice?" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's other means.' these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I happened." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project are, and they are waiting for us." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which there were so many in the whole country as were brought together why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "And how?" "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias call the police, let the police find what they can.' "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down the one as in the other." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do since then to throw any light upon what became of him." II. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "I would pay ten." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Will you bet, then?" "My last client of the sort was a king." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "'What then?' I asked. the inner apartment." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up very old mansion. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up too.