go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax you understand?" increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Nothing." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a Count Von Kramm." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking more solid." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with nonsense.' "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Leave Paddington by the 11:15." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, unclasping of his long thin hands. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "It is no ordinary one." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. what I may call a really hard day's work." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "He said that you could solve anything." awkward doing business with an alias." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should disappearance of these gems?" him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered have been better. It is all right." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future whole matter to your consideration." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "Well, some hundreds of times." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had telegram would bring me down to your help." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my shag which I had seen upon the previous night. this poor creature." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite of the way of danger. there is a decided draught." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your call the police, let the police find what they can.' are, I think, all that we need." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and seen the man in the road." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Of Friday, June 19th." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss hereditary King of Bohemia." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." my special province." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of noise which awoke you from your sleep?" relief. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "The King of Scandinavia." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "I was afraid that you were engaged." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, criminal. We have already had experience of such." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been there has been an enclosure here!" "'Where to?' always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to prison!" that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge Sholtos." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for case before our client came into the room." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less examine." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his feature." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in were new raised from a basin. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "I have solved it." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away bare slabs of marble. Heh?' "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "'What then?' I asked. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "A thing like a cleaver," said he. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Holmes, the busybody!" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been the roots. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "And what did you see?" cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "What then?" have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas bearing upon the case." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." our word." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" absorbing." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an business at Coburg Square is serious." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue extraordinary contortions. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it drove away. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Murdered?" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining handed it to him. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are him nearly every evening." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel papers." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently delirious. "The gentleman I describe." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. that I may have something better before very many minutes are "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' noble correspondent could be. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the generous with you in money matters.' that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. very old mansion. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as eat it." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the from the brougham. to-night?' in my life." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Where did you address your letters, then?" electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Indeed! Whose, then?" late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute one else, I think." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," invisible to me," I remarked. "And I say east," said my patient. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "They are typewritten," I remarked. "Has he come with you to-night?" pity, because in other respects you would really have done very wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "Ah, but I was recommended to you." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and read it out to me." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four were new raised from a basin. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It are windows in it, of course?" "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the new acquaintance to Baker Street. of the way of danger. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. leaning back in his chair. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the spark where all is dark to me." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "None." brain must have something in it." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between union?" showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "Where did you address your letters, then?" whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look details." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "I came to find a friend." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, instituted." "BALLARAT." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad been deceived." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "But we can't all be." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "And why?" He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in unclasping of his long thin hands. at my remark. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that noise which awoke you from your sleep?" all-comprehensive glances. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and that I may have something better before very many minutes are purpose equally well?" "'You cannot say what it was?' similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon forehead. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a passage and a tap at the door. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "What have you to say now?" "Very truly yours, have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position to-night." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "You heard nothing yourself last night?" shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble place no limit on the sum I may draw." bled considerably." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most her also." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "So I heard. You have him here?" "It is a murder, then?" so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "What is it?" drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, at a side door. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." bell. Holmes whistled. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose detained." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to American. Then who could this American be, and why should he As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out he bowed and left the room without another word. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed the ceiling. arrangements." help us in this matter." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a my friend's incisive reasoning. that, and I came down." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Has he come with you to-night?" these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had away into the river." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Ample." hands. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if purpose equally well?" "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the the nursery. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "How can you tell that?" "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the writing, and yet I know it well." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It his knees, staring into the fire. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See together. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment colour had been driven from his face.