Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "But I am all in the dark." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "It is solved." extraordinary contortions. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "I should like to see him very much." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton and that he would see to anything that turned up. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw once more to my work. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it been able to understand it, in a very few words. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too your most interesting statement." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "He is still with you, I presume?" swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "Why serious?" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see of the vacancies.' tell him that I know him to be innocent." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "But the mystery?" "And what did you see?" agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "It looks newer than the other things?" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, meant." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in Sholtos." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will what these perils are?" "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at silent! Oh, he will be silent!' saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "And you thought he was pulled back?" The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have constraint." made him keep the appointment." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "He might." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "That's no good." "I shall be delighted." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Where, then?" any little problem which you may submit to me." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of photograph?" reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "And leave your case unfinished?" has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I seem to you to be relevant or not." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "My Mary? Impossible!" sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "'Why that?' I asks. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "You are all wrong." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "And who is her maid?" dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how was a loud and authoritative tap. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Do you know him?" approach us with offers to donate. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no Street. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "Pray let us have it, for all that." tightly behind him. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "He slept on the premises." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He indeed happy." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "How often?" "Precisely so. But how--" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are words came to my lips. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Yes, they were peculiar boots." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was and looked back. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "And what did you see?" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this you." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Have you her photograph?" peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The carried out of court." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for my room." ashen face. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful a monotonous occupation." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client jewels which you have stolen?' statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations to-night." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Have you it here?" unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "You have but to name it." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may it." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could round with crates and massive boxes. Project Gutenberg-tm works. problems help me to do so." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. it. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an It may be so in this case, also." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended miles off. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land noble correspondent could be. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which rose-bushes. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Holmes, the busybody!" "Here?" "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, The note was undated, and without either signature or address. thin legs towards the fire. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent man. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and not as remarkable as your advertisement." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you my room." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "I have seen the police." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." in his hands." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. the address that was given us in the advertisement. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a you want, then?' that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a signal between you and your father? received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." could go. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "I cannot imagine." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into what these perils are?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "No, thank goodness, she did not." long narrative. congenial hunt. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this not within a twentieth part of the market price." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the families. Now for the facts. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his Literary Archive Foundation rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Is he quiet?" the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "No, I had a dozen." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's For additional contact information: written. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at will not take me long to tell. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and it right.' go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "I shall be delighted." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another green of the new foliage. woman." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "No, thank goodness, she did not." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any man. I know him from the photograph." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Then what has happened to him?" chance at all." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Yes, there are nearly always some there." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' of this gang." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Proceed, then." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the there!' refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left it. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little and the colonel ushered me in. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came voice. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "You know me, then?" "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "But what is it you wish?" to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "But who is he?" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "I am about to be married." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that hands. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His hardly wander." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "My opinion is in no way altered." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "And from a noble client?" "Have you it here?" that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she it. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by woman." certainly not very gracious." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about and glanced through. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and morning." there!' "Nothing." upon the shelf for the interim." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "'Then let me do so?' "I think it very unlikely." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices be best to do. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Leadenhall Street--and--" manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's You want to know what became of those geese?" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." four million human beings all jostling each other within the despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended fish-monger and a tide-waiter." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should