more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from friends, not even his own brother. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my bearing upon the case." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a call it cruel." never to learn it at all." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may hereditary King of Bohemia." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' chair. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "How did he come?" platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "It is a murder, then?" "And what did you see?" "Never." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded tell him that I know him to be innocent." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a sentimental considerations in the background which would induce through." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, tapping his fingers upon the table. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a I think that I could be of assistance to you." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in kindly on the shoulder. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Deserted you?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure at my own good fortune. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "And help." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes bird I ate is country bred." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to despair." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are Foundation when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Is he quiet?" the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Get out!" said he. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about showing my impatience. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, in the dead of the night?' summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley room had already been engaged for us. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged remarked. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, could go. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many appeal." if only as a check to my own memory." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress you want, then?' Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." several quiet little villages up there." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "I am in hopes that she does." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "The knees of his trousers." families. Now for the facts. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "'Is purely nominal.' Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "But to whom?" other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "I promise," said Holmes. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such up this clue while it is still hot." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either desk. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk whether it answered to the description of any of their "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "I will not look." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt I think that I could be of assistance to you." be there in time for your coming." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "But to whom?" without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave manager. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is at my remark. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him up this clue while it is still hot." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far the driver. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet hurried away. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing relation between them, and what the object of his repeated The note was undated, and without either signature or address. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking will take you up to see the machine.' "His face fell immediately. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "But what will you do?" goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." affection." wanted for ourselves." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that presented more singular features than that which was associated my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ eavesdroppers?' Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of grasp, he hurried from the room. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "You are all wrong." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a which our visitor detailed to us. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off from you?" daring than any effort of the imagination." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Nor running a chance of arrest?" fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I you for a few hours?" International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, the warnings." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. happened." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I one which it was hard to resist. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the been." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "'And what salary do you ask?' these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "What shall I do?" corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other felt the room to be a little close.' "It looks newer than the other things?" depend upon your compliance." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, constraint." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite companion quietly. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." was lame." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he awkward doing business with an alias." side. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried a little more before I quite committed myself. "I have seen the police." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an detained." "I fear not." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "My last client of the sort was a king." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis me have 200 pounds?' II. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." indeed which he could not unravel. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "That you are never beaten." business?" has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a address. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded sofa. This way, please!" and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "What then?" right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice gone. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Awake, Watson?" he asked. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' copied or distributed: attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. address. sound at heart." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "'About the same.' "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "'What are you doing there?' he asked. fled together." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my dear old homesteads?" my former friend and companion. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips perplexity from it to my illustrious client. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which now. It seems that there had been some informality about their had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the system of imprisonment?" were unconscious?" I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you at home. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "And now?" I asked. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" jewels which you have stolen?' corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his lamp. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "'Never.' to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive newspaper selections." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless was already answered. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this Pope's Court, Fleet Street." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at with you alone." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying said he. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire my little problems." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For a good hundred miles off by now." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Of Friday, June 19th." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at window when the police appeared." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had read it out to me." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's respectable self." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" call it cruel." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to depend upon my doing so.' "You are all wrong." "'A dozen yards or so.' "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had morning." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then once more. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the against a man in the prime of life?" which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked his forehead." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew figure." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." question. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. father's place of business?" send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let corner of the building. "An accident, I presume?" "You think that he is dead?" from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of father's place of business?" "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you more solid." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every national property. I was determined that the law should have its whereabouts. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid