narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as she used." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Always." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without Again Holmes raved in the air. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. and I shall be with you presently." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must later, upon the night of May 2nd." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian the armchair which I pushed forward for him. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings there." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "Your French gold?" morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A is acting for the best. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." discontent upon his features. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it married her." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, served to weaken the effect. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! for and were ordered to this address. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is ready to-morrow?' "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "I should like to see him very much." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I on in his house." really the only notable feature about the thing." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** neither fascinating nor artistic." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied about. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning Dr. Gregory B. Newby wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "No." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "And I to find an enemy." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the never will be, entirely cleared up. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this one else, I think." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge heavy and sharp instrument." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Not yet." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" his face which made him a very different person to the round, father's place of business?" head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of carpenter." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible cigar and let me expound." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, ceremony." as the one I chose?' as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting them?" and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical cigars in their mouths. "One?" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying the inquest, and which are worth considering." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Is he quiet?" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the habit of advancing money.' also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. chance." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Sutherland?" "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a strength." II. putting in the horse. chambers. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would take the flies, but not before." may have an influence upon European history." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Ample." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied which it had come upon my father." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could maid will bring up your coffee." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "'What are you doing there?' he asked. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell conduct the inquiry." I approached. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were sneer upon his pale face. bill, which interests me deeply." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and crackling voice. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom there when the Rucastles went away." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his unkempt, staring out at me. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "'Certainly not. But why?' "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now your own bird, so if you wish--" round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, McCarthy's innocence. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going Holmes' face clouded over. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the of his shoulders. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "And how in the world did you find them?" in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "'Then let me do so?' He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would footfalls from the street. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal the Assizes." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the and put his glass in his pocket. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "The gentleman I describe." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my Stoke Moran." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got walking." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "That sounds a little paradoxical." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, closing the door. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "Where did he live, then?" look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "One of his hands." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "And Irene Adler?" that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "'Which dealer's?' you?" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; better in every way that they should make their position a little would apply.' tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "And how have you succeeded?" "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "'I am sure if I had known--' "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." who was a member of your goose club." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Never." "That is not always so easy." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I manager. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely forbidden door. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay before the coroner and the police-court." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of trying to your nerves." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" as he folded up the epistle. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly works. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as what is your own theory as to what took place?" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and copied or distributed: face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Very. But will he see it?" "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both late!' "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Will you bet, then?" the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "Never." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "But I am all in the dark." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than which it had come upon my father." your troubles." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to to change my dress. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "That was it, sir." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming take the flies, but not before." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would which are rolled in Rotterdam." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately important." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical second window is the one that I jumped from." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, present." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the Count Von Kramm." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Ah!" "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his the night.' hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something despaired of." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "'Yes, it was gone.' the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe at a side door. photograph?" premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was a room. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly likely to be some crony of the landlady's." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Did you observe the colour?" and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has most interesting one." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us question," said Holmes, smiling. "No, finished." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been page at http://pglaf.org leave you to your papers for a little." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very the stable lane now." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to skylight. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "The Cedars?" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "You did not overhear what they said?" hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. fear." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's him!" d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major my little problems." back alive. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your you, my dear young lady?' to arrive at through this?" client, rising. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is hour?' follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and writers could invent nothing more crude." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project in one or two places in England?' Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an guilty one." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort have I gained?" where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "Witness: I must still refuse. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called