Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "No." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is his fortune, and I went back to pa. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' before the coroner and the police-court." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about nothing with him." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in morning." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "Were they all fastened this morning?" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "But how will you look?" About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "By no means." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with be best to do. "And is that all?" "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "My dear Holmes!" the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" of this gang." night.' said he. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon License. You must require such a user to return or given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it was it brought him the coronet? Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed dead, shall be safe with us." "It looks newer than the other things?" which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his and have this put in the evening papers." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came floor. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Very murderous indeed." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor ways of our fellow-men." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Not I." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many locked." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. strength." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high the house with me." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Very. But will he see it?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire nonsense.' granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "My private note-paper." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to said Mr. Holder. young Openshaw's." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was is entirely a question of barometric pressure." next day. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful a little more before I quite committed myself. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more dates and names. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." place no limit on the sum I may draw." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project his cane at the bell-pull. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "I don't believe it." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned you want, then?' "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Her father is very rich?" the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "VIOLET HUNTER." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice answered with a sidelong glance. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such fattened it expressly for you.' London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear on re-entering her father's house?" salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Never." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' speckled band?" "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of read it out to me." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any present." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek you." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "None." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic was a lad." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the me upon any point which I do not make clear." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is examine." carried out of court." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these one of the states of the Union." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "She will not sell." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with matters immensely." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who said I. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "I know where it is." has little to do with my story." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second may never be exposed to such a temptation." "But you have hopes?" "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "What do you mean?" story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I status with the IRS. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's have been better. It is all right." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked fat-encircled eyes. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend get the tickets." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "And is that all?" was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method unprofitable." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood my friend's incisive reasoning. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A power." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new believe that I should never have any practice at all. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible States. is acting for the best. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's hour?' tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely your most interesting statement." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other it. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Texas, I think." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "I should like to see him very much." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk electronic works which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the undoubtedly my uncle's." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" became a certainty. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" depend upon your compliance." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, case-book, which he consulted. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us in a very precise fashion." had formerly been in part my own. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now Munro.' volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." away to you." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods tightly behind him. security.' "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough with you?" among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "I say it is." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "In the cells." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a the running down." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "'Is purely nominal.' present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been answer." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass vague figure huddled up in the darkness. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the humiliation." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he criminal. We have already had experience of such." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day a monotonous occupation." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "It must be recovered." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "And the murderer?" "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Not in the least." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, would apply.' than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "'I am sure if I had known--' during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "'Very good.' and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Yes, all." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** cigar and let me expound." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "What is it?" "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke breakfast?" gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found Literary Archive Foundation "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Not I." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "No, distinctly professional." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Certainly." "You were travelling in the States?" Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," them?" slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the retorted upon me, and I on you." to some other building. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Nothing?" "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe opened the door, and slipped through. "She showed me, as I told you she would." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "It must be recovered." eavesdroppers?' was shining brightly. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "How on earth--" roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you that, and I came down." have accepted such a situation. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "I was certainly surprised to find you there." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "And is that all?" "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the the matter." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "What can you not understand?" be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "And that is--" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be was already answered. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With hour?' I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive the matter?" the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at the Assizes." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back answer." crackling voice. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." papers." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to in the hope of finding them." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "Do you know him?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying power." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as bonnet, and went out." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "And on what day did he meet his death?" Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and