"I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of the bed, and you in that chair." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but was a lad." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "'How far from the body?' against a man in the prime of life?" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," in a very precise fashion." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Never." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign young Openshaw's." soul! here is her carriage at the door." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "That's no good." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "None." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was more terrible than the truth. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "It is possible." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "'And what salary do you ask?' own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which geese which you supplied to the Alpha." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so do.' "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. States. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands question you as to those details which seem to me to be most threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open redistribution. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here problems help me to do so." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." the side-table." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "A confidential servant?" "Perfectly so." "I say it is." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, his fortune, and I went back to pa. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "And that is--" houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was Holmes." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa Miss Holder?" "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "You heard nothing yourself last night?" Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "But his left-handedness." the side-table." interests were the same as his." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. Project Gutenberg-tm works. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something His smile broadened. forebodings. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." security.' old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is look dissatisfied." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with tapping his fingers upon the table. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Oh, the cause is excellent!" us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "I am to be neutral?" marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We if only as a check to my own memory." "Of what day?" entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "BALLARAT." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "But the mystery?" certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present the so-precious time, but come!' conversation I have gathered that they have been married about said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the shag which I had seen upon the previous night. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so fear." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to of the vacancies.' "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." companion. you in your example." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Thank you. Pray proceed." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. highroad, where all traces were lost. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, Miss Holder?" question," said Holmes, smiling. States. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock outside." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. row." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it have established a very serious case against the son of the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in was it brought him the coronet? "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must points in connection with it which never have been, and probably spare." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." that?' security.' standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project shaken than I had ever seen him. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "And how?" Does that suggest anything?" trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that you." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the without success. At last the little money which I had saved began The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Oh, the cause is excellent!" the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly Literary Archive Foundation doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and him to be an active member of the medical profession." wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the of the way of danger. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there appeared upon the scene." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and indeed which he could not unravel. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of occupations.' which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and discontent upon his features. charge against him will break down." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And away to you." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Oh, the cause is excellent!" There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of beyond words. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood this poor creature." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and back into the street. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Yes, from Horsham." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. province." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Of Friday, June 19th." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. digesting their breakfasts at home." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want matter." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "No?" rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and not as remarkable as your advertisement." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with with some details as to your case." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Then what has happened to him?" when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. you, my dear young lady?' "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a to you." "I don't believe it." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right said he. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands threw himself down with his face to the pillow. so.' perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner hands. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit not as remarkable as your advertisement." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "We must have a cab." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, new acquaintance to Baker Street. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "I see no marks." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "My stepfather's business papers." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence outside." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of with frightened eyes at his accuser. I held the little printed slip to the light. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your I shall continue with my miserable story. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any within hail.' upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may neither fascinating nor artistic." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Who by?" reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from as he folded up the epistle. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. this unhappy family?" that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "10th. John Swain cleared. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "None." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. imbecility!" he cried. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the few hundred pounds.' have got?" week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "And when will you call?" brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near to a light-house. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his have accepted such a situation. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of intimate personal affairs in this public manner." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the my friend's incisive reasoning. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon geese which you supplied to the Alpha." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, there." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "Why serious?" that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we asked with his eyes open. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just you for a few hours?" have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the your sleep?' we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, on in his house." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it hour." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the