office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "What is it, then--a fire?" secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Then you may be so with me." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover It may be so in this case, also." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "VIOLET HUNTER." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "I say it is." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up just ask you whether you had heard it.' train.' overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need it? Did I buy the geese off you?" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "How many? I don't know." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, Clair, of Lee." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook just ask you whether you had heard it.' threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight was feeling which was the fattest.' made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. vault. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of dramatic, in fact." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I the inner apartment." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "One of the highest in England." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "'A dozen yards or so.' study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to your bag." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he shall use the carriage to-night." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of be best to do. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my I think that I could be of assistance to you." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "My private note-paper." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "'In my own bureau.' soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest see a sister of mine apply for." "He said that you could solve anything." McCarthy." Henry Baker is a member." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" appointment with me for six o'clock?" black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have was not a bird to be seen there. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was and capable of preserving a secret.' remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a to have been novel and of interest." the Assizes." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what of Fenchurch Street." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. occupations.' coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've case-book, which he consulted. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my hardly wander." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on money should be paid at once.' scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and such attractions and accomplishments?' which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the colonel looking down at me. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Just look it up, then." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Because he was handy and would come cheap." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "'What would be the hours?' I asked. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." learned something! Where are the gems?" room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in the station." at my remark. "I beg pardon." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "'What do you call purely nominal?' remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you lost his Christmas dinner." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to plantation.' papers diligently of late, have you not?" Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of is so. I know all about McCarthy." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "No." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you colonel looking down at me. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' not use it unless it is absolutely needed." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get coroner's jury." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "I came to find a friend." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Doctor, of the paper and the date." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, was the fact that his father should, according to his account, autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the bearing upon the case." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' neither fascinating nor artistic." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Not I." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the himself to tell his story. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or always that they were such commands as a lady might with was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should photograph?" and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "What is it?" The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "No." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here in one or two places in England?' a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us me upon any point which I do not make clear." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able at a side door. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. bird of prey. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to colonel looking down at me. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds the salesman. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. off." to tell." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Yes, but only for you and me." do.' "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to that, and I came down." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I or in danger--" usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "But to whom?" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their horse could go." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the joking. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I green of the new foliage. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "His face fell immediately. extraordinary contortions. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was developed." papers diligently of late, have you not?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and bedroom door." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "Perhaps we may make them less so." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that I shall communicate with you." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of him. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." salesman. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" do.' "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than fire. You quite follow me?" such attractions and accomplishments?' "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" stalked out of the room. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening weapon." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the could not have written that. It is the German who is so providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "I will not look." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. strength in the others." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper hour?' other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "You were travelling in the States?" some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Deserted you?" held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to occupations.' a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an that the gas is not laid on in his house?" police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so It may be so in this case, also." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley him nearly every evening." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little south, for the country is more deserted there." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." unkempt, staring out at me. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Stolen, then." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no crime." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the with you alone." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "I never have." "Absolutely none." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Was there a secret marriage?" soul! here is her carriage at the door." wedding?" Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Was she in good spirits?" "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it the inner apartment." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. when your master had gone out." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." through." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "The rest you will leave in our hands." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were in my life." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very