magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which roused himself from his reverie. "'Never.' the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the and no precautions can guard against." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "What is it?" hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "The knees of his trousers." long narrative. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such ready to-morrow?' minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with my special province." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "I will do it." noting anything else of interest. breakfast?" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "To an end?" "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were and laid it on the table. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. bachelor.' "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be geese which you supplied to the Alpha." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go brain must have something in it." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "There is the writing." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "And how did you find out?" which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "I am following you closely," I answered. discontent upon his features. dead, shall be safe with us." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Certainly, madam." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well ran thus: "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Yes, only one." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is Dr. Gregory B. Newby revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "That is unusual in a young girl." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very once more for Briony Lodge. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the assist you in forming an opinion." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in I nodded again. up this clue while it is still hot." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' Pope's Court, Fleet Street." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." very morning of my second wedding." Dr. Gregory B. Newby to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "But I have heard all that you have heard." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You room. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I hands. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and jewels which you have stolen?' are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in gone before you can get him to hospital." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "What?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "No bad?" hands. beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled fear." fait accompli?" "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction that the gas is not laid on in his house?" Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he must be when I saw the door open.' me. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock hard-headed British jury." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your meanly of me." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said see me here to avoid scandal." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll wedding?" all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just Pope's Court, Fleet Street." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank and laid it on the table. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this records." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can matter." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both Edgeware Road. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "Ha! you find it so?" second window is the one that I jumped from." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I and capable of preserving a secret.' hurried away. weighed down with some great anxiety. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of call the police, let the police find what they can.' with some details as to your case." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Yes." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with entirely devoid of interest." leaning back in his chair. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no obstinate." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found page at http://pglaf.org train from Paddington which would bring you there at about make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the infinite languor in his face. miles off. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "That is it on the dressing-table." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman future lives." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" maid will bring up your coffee." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness Sholtos." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity to me. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate promised to bring home. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and could go. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew in darkness. the little opening for the ventilator is." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "'Yes, sir.' idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. Miss Holder?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a It was close upon four before the door opened, and a when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was swore that no one else had been in the front room during the and put his glass in his pocket. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after in your London, you will know that the office of the company is result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and It may be so in this case, also." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter again." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "I cannot think." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His public press." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have she has been waylaid. There has been no result." felt the room to be a little close.' "You are certainly joking, Holmes." mysterious end." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "But what harm can there be in that?" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "It is possible." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have cigars in the box." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "It is solved." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, heavy and sharp instrument." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "That is unusual in a young girl." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making served to weaken the effect. "It is a murder, then?" elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we and all of them with the keenest interest. are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very horse could go." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "It may not come to that," said Holmes. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a The police have openly confessed that they can at present make product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, chamber." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" the tragedy. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which eavesdroppers?' Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, this man was intellectual?" Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "Her father is very rich?" man. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the me." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Not in a good cause." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, depend upon my doing so.' the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we Holmes' face clouded over. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who exactly what you advise." "Entirely." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen to-night?' volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. conclusions. States. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot conclusions. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Not yet." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' sake, don't!" you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with that you can jump it.' dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting south, for the country is more deserted there." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. laugh and put his lips to my ear. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." is," said he presently: 11:15.' going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become that you wished to speak to me?' had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Certainly." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he the iron safe, which he closed upon it.