a little more before I quite committed myself. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is relief. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and once more on the important position which you have been fortunate skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I them?" it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were side. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high http://www.gutenberg.net might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a details." be. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "'Where to?' answered with a sidelong glance. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, colour had been driven from his face. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the points in connection with it which never have been, and probably of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." them?" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it pierced for earrings?" "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Holmes, the busybody!" value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small call you and give you the chance." "It is possible." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "And Irene Adler?" But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "'How far from the body?' of campaign. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls together. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "That you are never beaten." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "No." the house with me." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "None." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to whereabouts. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man dates and names. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "Then I can wait in the next room." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink hour." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Indeed! Whose, then?" "You are hungry," I remarked. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, formed some opinion?" to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she evidence," I remarked. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a congratulate you again." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his the King without delay." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so highly," said Holmes. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, take the flies, but not before." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the true." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "It was an hour's good drive." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Perfectly so." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent the date of his supposed suicide." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge is acting for the best. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Not in the least." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "Get out!" said he. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but putting in the horse. "Certainly." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. upon an income of about 60 pounds." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. the side-table." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. charge against him will break down." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' the running down." entirely lost his self-respect." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and gigantic client. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Just look it up, then." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "And how did you find out?" were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "No?" would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his Clair, of Lee." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Yes, they were peculiar boots." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Oh, fresh and glossy." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his that I am arrested." "Upon what point?" "Yes." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him ashen face. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag quite distinctive." when your master had gone out." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very before, for it was considerably after midnight. "From his hat?" "Precisely." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "Upon what point?" suddenly upon us." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and of this gang." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "That is it on the dressing-table." forehead. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "I cannot imagine." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Come in!" said he. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow noting anything else of interest. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed case-book, which he consulted. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from vault. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very delirious. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Nothing?" and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk things are very often connected not with the larger but with the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "And I." "How many? I don't know." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "My dear Holmes!" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "Nearly eleven." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "The Coroner: What do you mean? from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "There are none." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An words came to my lips. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, leave you to your papers for a little." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Can I be of assistance?" passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable congenial hunt. least a fellow-countryman. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "But what harm can there be in that?" "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what must be when I saw the door open.' such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. have one." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" particular state visit http://pglaf.org lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was there has been an enclosure here!" increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he impression behind it as though a window had gently closed burst into a hearty fit of laughter. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any everything which you would wish to know." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her place no limit on the sum I may draw." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must there!' round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in digesting their breakfasts at home." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "'What would be the hours?' I asked. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "At the wedding breakfast." to have that photograph." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "I have a cab outside." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are purpose of examination. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but of it with the greatest attention. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the your only hope of safety." round and wave him away like that.' to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the the inner apartment." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it 11:15.' upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Do you know him?" "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week breakfast." if she died from some sudden fright." anything to do with the matter?" no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a village inn over there?" ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to stalked out of the room. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the at home. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE hurried away. "And why?" "This photograph!" to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "But he might be a bachelor." bell. Holmes whistled. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "And you thought he was pulled back?" his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "In the cells." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about and looked back. writer." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "How on earth--" came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize tapping his fingers upon the table. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and flock.' "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself Edgeware Road. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then to-night?" I asked. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which some city in a dream. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" sake, don't!" "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Absolutely?" "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we it." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. will take you up to see the machine.' in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It highly," said Holmes. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her