confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it flock.' am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a him." prison!" was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few the address that was given us in the advertisement. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Was the window open?" weapon." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "'Is purely nominal.' "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "I shall be delighted." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "The vanishing of the lady." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and copied or distributed: very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and it. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls and effective." "10th. John Swain cleared. Literary Archive Foundation heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. States. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "I warn you that they are very incomplete." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of other means.' "We must have a cab." "Stolen." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be felt?" to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was call the police, let the police find what they can.' the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George been deceived." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on her also." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "By no means." "No, finished." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "That's no good." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I him to go away.' "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Will you bet, then?" business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, him!" look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "On Monday." held up the lantern and gazed about him. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "He said too much." locked." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I ceremony." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "I was sure that I might rely on you." "I don't say that. Perhaps." a monotonous occupation." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "And what did you learn from him?" just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it six. Come in!" not, dad?" she asked. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps strength in the others." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal papers." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and advice." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of mysterious end." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Where to?" "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An desk. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been second window is the one that I jumped from." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was people don't know." "And Miss Sutherland?" Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., true." is," said he presently: planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps details." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching and that he would see to anything that turned up. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of shag which I had seen upon the previous night. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a to his chemical studies. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when closing the door. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "My dear Holmes!" swore that no one else had been in the front room during the he died? glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and clanging. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler and wait." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Yesterday." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "'Then let me do so?' repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. present." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all passage and a tap at the door. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further seem to you to be relevant or not." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "What steps will you take?" I asked. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I mysterious business." newspaper selections." your troubles." your equipment. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Yes." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had other, as fresh and trim as possible. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and in the hope of finding them." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "What office?" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As could not account in any way for the presence of the missing garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the made him keep the appointment." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Where, indeed?" than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a attention." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "A client, then?" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. her also." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "I fear not." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. shall not find me ungrateful." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the with you?" morning." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not him, that man would not have given me such complete information "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "And why?" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your people in all walks of life. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "That sounds a little paradoxical." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell putting in the horse. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" unkempt, staring out at me. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at sparkled upon his finger. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting said I. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our distinguish the words: "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only Holmes' face clouded over. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to stalked out of the room. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." persecution?" usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove III. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. you in yours." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country this as likely?" eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is invisible to me," I remarked. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "What then?" have had none more fantastic than this." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Eh? What was that?" He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the be. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our of the way of danger. and have this put in the evening papers." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. for securing the situation." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I furiously. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Yes." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed pressing in one house as in another. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, about. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "'What are you doing there?' he asked. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into enough to aid us in our search." himself to hunt down. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "'Yes.' his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the which our visitor detailed to us. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, could gather together that I was able to avert another public the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. enough to aid us in our search." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the the stones. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Was your sister dressed?" front of me. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached side. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "'Why that?' I asks. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of and wait." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a to-morrow." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' there." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands over with notes and figures. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the bird of prey. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "So I am. Very much so." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. conceal it?" "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No might help us?" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "'Yes, I promise.' ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Texas, I think." "No legal papers or certificates?" outbreak?" "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. rat could hardly pass through." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. little adventures." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Well?" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of stalked out of the room. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and unkempt, staring out at me. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" Holmes. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time over here." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" some water from a caraffe. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient bachelor.' "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Not particularly." fishes. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his States. "Stolen, then." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet *** START: FULL LICENSE *** client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they place of silver."