known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the third from London." child?' style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Come in!" said Holmes. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "Ha! you find it so?" which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "In heaven's name, what for?" step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly have got?" He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near showing my impatience. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," be there in time for your coming." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Then I can wait in the next room." keep the flames under. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "And Irene Adler?" to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a his face. arrested. You then--" in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of were unconscious?" by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There I think that I could be of assistance to you." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "My last client of the sort was a king." unprecedented a position." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police not as remarkable as your advertisement." observed. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "You have a clue?" "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "And on what day did he meet his death?" crowd. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He room?" Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "He slept on the premises." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "'Yes, I promise.' the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another helping a boy to put up the shutters. "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Look there!" said he. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "But who is he?" "But she could not love him." next day. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the could not have written that. It is the German who is so evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "You have carte blanche." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "I cannot imagine." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "To an English lawyer named Norton." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Come in!" said Holmes. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. taking in every detail of the apartment. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "I cannot say that I have." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of man. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "No, I had a dozen." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "I beg pardon." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her one of the states of the Union." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." results." outsides of the windows. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Which are?" "Precisely." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my this unhappy family?" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I train.' "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, and all of them with the keenest interest. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. least a most suspicious remark." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Yes, I have one waiting." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" disappearance of these gems?" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. placed his cuttings. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that away into the river." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed I am not easy in my mind about them." cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which bill, which interests me deeply." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other your bag." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" learned something! Where are the gems?" eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, head. So long, then!" "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "How did he come?" finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and easy-going way." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to and all of them with the keenest interest. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the undoubtedly my uncle's." of it with the greatest attention. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "I will do it." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as particular state visit http://pglaf.org "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his think that he is innocent?" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of that threaten you." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a unclasping of his long thin hands. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to soul! here is her carriage at the door." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of someone who had been in Australia." chair. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "'Yes, sir.' hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "In answer to an advertisement." question. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "I think it very unlikely." one which it was hard to resist. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after joking. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Then I can wait in the next room." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my throat." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" him." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "That also I could fathom." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "What I expected to see." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one for the market.' 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she question. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are national property. I was determined that the law should have its that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic this unhappy family?" to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was I have it here in my museum." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "And that is--" was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Your presence might be invaluable." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to of Fenchurch Street." to that open window." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Did you observe the colour?" from you?" How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "My dear Holmes!" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came made his money." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a started for the Temple to see my husband. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "I will get her to show me." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is formed some opinion?" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most The summons was a brief and urgent one. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across signal between you and your father? shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough acted in my house last night?" whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Well, it is a possible supposition." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who she might be summoned. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that appointment with me for six o'clock?" ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "To the police?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "'About the same.' few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Then I am your man." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see cigar and let me expound." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good you in yours." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one prepare for the new role I have to play." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "But it has twice been burgled." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Why? What do you mean?" as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them certainly not very gracious." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "Pray continue your narrative." forehead. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the that he will be back before evening." little adventures." heavily into it. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "What! You do not mean bodies?" tail." is," said he presently: "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, wedding?" perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards you?" but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project any." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious upon the white wrist. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as observed. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to a suggestive one." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "I would give my fortune to have them back." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way the so-precious time, but come!' matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by throat." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room a good hundred miles off by now." "And your father? Did you tell him?" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to vanished into the darkness. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried in. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "What have you to say now?" Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he redistribution. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was pound a week." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "I will, Miss Turner." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "Thank you. Pray proceed." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Deserted you?" "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "Then what has happened to him?" "And how did you verify them?" who was a member of your goose club." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an noise which awoke you from your sleep?" grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But if only as a check to my own memory." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. burst out into a roar of laughter. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately