been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of laugh and put his lips to my ear. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "I cannot say that I have." nonsense.' objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "And why?" analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Very well, sir. And this stone?" was shining brightly. "When did she vanish, then?" the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Ah!" donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I there in twenty minutes." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a your co-operation." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have and glanced through. is so. I know all about McCarthy." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a one or two very singular points about this room. For example, which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the will be renamed. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington really the only notable feature about the thing." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Yes. He waved his hands." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "How are you getting on?" "Then what has happened to him?" laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Then, as to money?" open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the really the only notable feature about the thing." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his believe that I should never have any practice at all. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." you came in." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that During two years I have had three consultations and one small swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has is entirely a question of barometric pressure." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" tension within him. indiscretion." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I such attractions and accomplishments?' "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "It may not come to that," said Holmes. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or national property. I was determined that the law should have its his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford pressing in one house as in another. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees without success. At last the little money which I had saved began mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking Does that suggest anything?" Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the garden below. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and fatally injured? out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a matter over." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "No, I am descending." very old mansion. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the meanly of me." room?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. details." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the whether it answered to the description of any of their "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which you came in." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." of." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Did your wife hear all this?" dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother I approached. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the learned something! Where are the gems?" with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little shall use the carriage to-night." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of not fit the lock." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "10th. John Swain cleared. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, until night should bring an explanation. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I question. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Just look it up, then." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He forecastle of an emigrant ship. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could spark where all is dark to me." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. never came back." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Edgeware Road. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly anything to a woman, for she would have her way." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I charge against him will break down." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away think that he is innocent?" pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "You know me, then?" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "And it is--" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "On the contrary, this is the right side." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were here." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "But what is it you wish?" order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "I should be immensely obliged to you." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "But you would not advise me to refuse?" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Precisely so. But how--" encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "Two days later this same performance was gone through under which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Was your sister dressed?" salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time locked." sufficient punishment." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his way in." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "'Where could I find him?' What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the presume?" "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." directors, with the result that you have seen." "Frequently." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, newspaper selections." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number Edgeware Road. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "I see many objections to any such theory." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said drawing your inferences." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "Very truly yours, a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Yes?" real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. out of this horrible affair." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Yes." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Whose house is it?" the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door me. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old just called myself is not exactly my own." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. them?" paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From read over the extraordinary announcement. in the port of London." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "It is half-past ten now." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon have had none more fantastic than this." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Yes, there are nearly always some there." furiously. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." morning." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "How did that help you?" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about during that time.' slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a never will be, entirely cleared up. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "But how?" quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "But you were on a friendly footing?" guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough despair." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my may never be exposed to such a temptation." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Precisely." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "I never have." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Leadenhall Street--and--" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' rose-bushes. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I knowledge of the world." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to respectable self." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "The knees of his trousers." there was no need for father to know." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the nothing with him." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes of the efforts of the United States government and of the better fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was confronted him. one of the states of the Union." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Could he throw no light?" national property. I was determined that the law should have its your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest furiously. said I. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "And on what day did he meet his death?" labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are opened a pocket-book and took out a note. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" a good hundred miles off by now." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the his wife has ceased to love him." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in excitement. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All developed." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their good-night and bustled off upon her way. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "How about poison?" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," conceal it?" She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was the date of his supposed suicide." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of legal crime." "I cannot imagine." "What then?" With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce not as remarkable as your advertisement." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would think that he is innocent?" "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very your equipment. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Perfectly so." awaited us upon the table. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. Eyford." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this himself to hunt down. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements the ceiling. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had