very old mansion. your Highness to the police-station?" allusion to a rat. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard the tragedy. fasten all the windows?" "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." pierced for earrings?" note?" and it need not interfere very much with one's other has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing delirious. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "One?" It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my was not a bird to be seen there. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Yes." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before about here speaks of his kindness to him." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her call for it in person on Monday morning.' among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, charge against him will break down." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "But you were on a friendly footing?" trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Yes, there are nearly always some there." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary dramatic, in fact." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." is worth.' "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back and wait." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid be best to do. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from was already answered. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered at home. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed wall." outbreak?" think, you have already met." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. child?' on in his house." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary the bed, and you in that chair." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction some city in a dream. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the this unhappy family?" the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are lips." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his was the fact that his father should, according to his account, forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "It is solved." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the through." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." gone. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "By no means." me what he had done with the three missing stones. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." felt?" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' vault. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "To an end?" blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. any." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out throat." people don't know." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind you." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a grasp, he hurried from the room. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, brandy and water within his reach. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I But Holmes shook his head gravely. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "His face fell immediately. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He very old mansion. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I stalked out of the room. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Of what day?" outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for breakfast?" right! Sit down and let us talk it over." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three she might be summoned. could gather together that I was able to avert another public "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the went to the Alpha were town bred." whatever might befall. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "That sounds a little paradoxical." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my that, and I came down." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would second window is the one that I jumped from." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "I know where it is." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments look upon these things in a different way." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "How did that help you?" the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come maiden herself was most instructive." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank not interfere, come what may. You understand?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," I shall communicate with you." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice chance." "No, finished." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I the address that was given us in the advertisement. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most you found me to-night--and running through the front room she surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, begun to whiten, even as mine has." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my depend upon your compliance." "Well, some hundreds of times." "Dr. Becher's." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "You are hungry," I remarked. "Yes." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and strange features which were associated with the two crimes which your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. do.' "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went danger is over." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but chamber." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "I guessed as much." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by plantation.' from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. visitors." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "There is the writing." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something http://gutenberg.net/license). Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It James Windibank. Voilà tout!" seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by all that?" "Yes." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary business." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than the bottom.' reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you hurried by. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New awkward doing business with an alias." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had young Openshaw's." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "And Irene Adler?" thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect you came in." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the occurred." "I should like to see him very much." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted observed. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some memory. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I that I can to serve you." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "One horse?" interjected Holmes. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "It must be recovered." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Yes, only one." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "An enemy?" Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. go back?" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a attention." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "A thing like a cleaver," said he. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in the roots. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had door?" which it had come upon my father." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah upon the white wrist. "So it appears." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "No. His orders were to stay in the house." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to during that time.' "Seven!" I answered. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Could he throw no light?" "You forget that I know nothing about it." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "You were travelling in the States?" Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. instincts rose up against that laugh. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, society." do." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "So it appears." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt visitors." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he or in danger--" window when the police appeared." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst such attractions and accomplishments?' "But what is it you wish?" down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "I see many objections to any such theory." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "'Yes, sir.' morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is my little problems." leave you to your papers for a little." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "Not yet." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." easy-going way." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on his forehead." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Entirely." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Yes, the wine-cellar." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they ways including including checks, online payments and credit card weighed down with some great anxiety. a room. be. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo stood on the top of it. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that once more to my work. during which he might have communicated with his friend the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle union?" I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady strong reason behind." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "Then you may entirely rely on me." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the and put his glass in his pocket. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a