Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into definite end. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "May I see it?" pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she results." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, distinguish the words: Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have derbies." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Did you become engaged then?" One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had it. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "I beg pardon." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "ARAT," I read. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "And I." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the Holmes' thin, eager face. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Nothing?" whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a said he. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "Where is it, then?" us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, writer." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "And leave your case unfinished?" "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" papers on the sundial.'" professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for was a lad." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney some terrible trap for her." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he highly," said Holmes. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can straightened it out again. "No legal papers or certificates?" "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "What then?" process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I not come at once?" all that?" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the security.' one which it was hard to resist. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Miss Holder?" donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "I think that I had better go, Holmes." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over a very grave face. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "In what way?" asked Holmes. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "What of the rat, then?" second." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is is acting for the best. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "That was it, sir." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been of your young ladies.' rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just strange features which were associated with the two crimes which town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear correct than the official force." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between come either from the window or the door. My attention was advice." where she found matters as described by the last witness. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, will he say when he returns?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "Have you it here?" submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them children over to America with him, so that I found myself without veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner sound at heart." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been three of the beryls in it, was missing. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg which I could not give. He asked for Alice. seem to you to be relevant or not." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of this Miss Turner." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more tied." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this walking." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "It missed him, then?" my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose your sleep?' value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "At half-wages, in fact." compunction about shooting them down." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "Yes, at the mines." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I useful material for showing traces. The double line a little possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police sneer upon his pale face. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "That is it on the dressing-table." "My Mary? Impossible!" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. him to go away.' unclasping of his long thin hands. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed train from Paddington which would bring you there at about my room." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to Eyford." congenial hunt. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you he bowed and left the room without another word. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and his forehead." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out back to my heart. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is this Miss Turner." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had a good hundred miles off by now." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "You have a clue?" "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "My own seal." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to beg that you will break it off." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me The note was undated, and without either signature or address. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Quite so. She has her freedom." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary Munro.' of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Whose house is it?" to some other building. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "That is it on the dressing-table." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. about here speaks of his kindness to him." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to had picked up in the wood. "Yes, that is the Crown." you." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And respectable self." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "I was afraid that you were engaged." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the green of the new foliage. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could empty. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "And is that all?" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the of the vacancies.' aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Very truly yours, fashion which was peculiar to him. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "That sounds a little paradoxical." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "'Where to?' "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be strong reason behind." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of his knees, staring into the fire. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" off." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his a little more before I quite committed myself. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "I will try. What is it?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the both be extremely obliged.' He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with him!" fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "I was mad--insane." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go compunction about shooting them down." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, ventilator." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable acted in my house last night?" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to absolutely follow my advice in every respect." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project results." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Yes." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I foot. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "How can you tell that?" their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I with the outside air!" here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon and effective." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "I am armed." "It is no ordinary one." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east question you as to those details which seem to me to be most hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "To an end?" freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "Then he might have called to you?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will entirely devoid of interest." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "The best possible." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, fasten all the windows?" in the hope of finding them." call the police, let the police find what they can.' "It is possible." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with to me. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the kindly on the shoulder. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "'What, the red-headed man?' property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun sufficient punishment." official police." "'Certainly,' I answered. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Ten will be early enough." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and digesting their breakfasts at home." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel to-night?' moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Dr. Becher's." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "My opinion is in no way altered." "Why serious?" north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute think that any burglar could have done. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though my former friend and companion. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Nothing?" the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about tell him that I know him to be innocent." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Where did he live, then?" stepfather?" web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first meant it for the best. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered certainly not very gracious." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "'Ten to two.' clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the Sutherland. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking his eyes and forehead. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive.