said he. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Then he might have called to you?" "Quite so." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "I don't say that. Perhaps." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that gone before you can get him to hospital." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with the south-west, I see." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Then how many are there?" "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a lamp. ourselves in the office." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was goes." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Look there!" said he. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "But of what society?" cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I do.' undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in nice household for a young lady." in my life." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a the matter?" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project conceal it?" Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "'Why that?' I asks. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. matter." "And Irene Adler?" remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's of Mr. Rucastle's." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have an introduction to him?" he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you Holmes' room. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the must compliment you." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "She showed me, as I told you she would." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the the room while you explain this matter?" already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The Mrs. Toller serenely. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the get the tickets." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from you?' round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Then I shall certainly come." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these said he. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "How are you getting on?" Clair, of Lee." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "From his hat?" "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "It surprised me." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he papers." the inner apartment." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was photograph a cabinet?" wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry writing, and yet I know it well." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through Edgeware Road. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend washing it down with a long draught of water. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "The Cedars?" "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Thank you. Pray proceed." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, your only hope of safety." think that any burglar could have done. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I status with the IRS. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "I don't say that. Perhaps." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, points in connection with it which never have been, and probably you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "I cannot imagine." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been crackling voice. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "Where, then?" "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was of the efforts of the United States government and of the better night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I in one or two places in England?' ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father the stable lane now." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "Dr. Becher's." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "'I am sure if I had known--' "Well?" "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few lost nothing by them." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Awake, Watson?" he asked. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he Clair, of Lee." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who case-book, which he consulted. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the the morning and make my own way in the world.' that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. you." remarked. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an reach." mysterious end." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to matter over." "Yes." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "It is his hat." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress the dangers which encompass me." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be locked. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was any." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands tapping his fingers upon the table. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an the warnings." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that away into the river." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was this as likely?" in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "What?" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." not come at once?" for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "I don't say that. Perhaps." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched as this. Pray let me have the details." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features The police have openly confessed that they can at present make before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred way: with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and handed it to him. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and garden below. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Was the window open?" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Ample." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it things are very often connected not with the larger but with the loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured Arthur Conan Doyle "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "In what way?" asked Holmes. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Yes." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to cup of tea. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "And that is--" though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus light and attacked it." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." than to us. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, photograph a cabinet?" "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "What do you make of that, Watson?" that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad http://www.gutenberg.net into the bag, and made for the door. "A call for help, you thought?" keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "That's no good." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian of his shoulders. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my weighed down with some great anxiety. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." could go. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the it means?" "But it has twice been burgled." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and through." six. Come in!" "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading chambers. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." been with you?" upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "I have solved it." "No." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't Cross for the Continent." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your John Swain, of St. Augustine. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, over part of the map. "What do you read?" legal crime." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "On Monday." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or to his chemical studies. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and strength in the others." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I coroner's jury." advice." "But to whom?" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "You think that he is dead?" and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he and the church but not where the lady lived." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at stood on the top of it. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "VIOLET HUNTER." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Well, but China?" you for a few hours?" convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and trying to your nerves." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "Seven!" I answered. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is key of the affair now." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have drove away. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "I cannot think." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into in this note: end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "You think that he is dead?" evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known already referred to. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Won't it ring?" "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming