wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really stood on the top of it. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had as noiselessly as she had come. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good the warnings." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for McCarthy's innocence. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "I shall be delighted." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an politicians who had been sent down from the North. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark emerged. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to as this. Pray let me have the details." had died away into the silence from which it rose. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge at home. "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your signal between you and your father? "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather have had none more fantastic than this." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations closing the door. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "I am about to be married." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying it." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most system of imprisonment?" "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the foresight and the moral retrogression?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches weigh very heavily upon my conscience." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful to-night." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "What is it, then--a fire?" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Yes, at the mines." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can pictures, libraries, or plate. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little writer." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no of the efforts of the United States government and of the better nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and them present such singular features as the strange train of useful material for showing traces. The double line a little is a common subject for conversation. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Yes." "A confidential servant?" was a loud and authoritative tap. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, sneer upon his pale face. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. was it brought him the coronet? remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." who was a member of your goose club." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ to me. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "You were travelling in the States?" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers know what is wrong with it.' impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Precisely." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining that, and I came down." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "What!" he roared. beg that you will break it off." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out habit of advancing money.' "Why did you beat the pavement?" them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "My last client of the sort was a king." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to thirty. "But I have heard all that you have heard." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless himself to hunt down. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" of campaign. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, which our visitor detailed to us. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case outside. your sleep?' it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the status with the IRS. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had excitement. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the allusion to a rat. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Witness: Nothing definite. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a me. You must get home instantly and act." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "What can you not understand?" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in to you." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "I would pay ten." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer will take you up to see the machine.' shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion companion quietly. "Upon what point?" public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for not fit the lock." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but I shall communicate with you." writing, and yet I know it well." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. your most interesting statement." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at lost his Christmas dinner." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Yes, they were peculiar boots." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' fishes. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to good for you to do.' and no precautions can guard against." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Your sister is dead, then?" "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "I know where it is." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving that a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Miss Holder?" front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in your billet.' "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "No, I think that I'll take it." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found pound a week." that you can jump it.' who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it main points of my analysis." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" note?" and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "No sign of it?" to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" four million human beings all jostling each other within the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the any little problem which you may submit to me." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in galvanised. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual clang of the bell. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at My friend smiled. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused is," said he presently: About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing golden eyeglasses. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps signal between you and your father? laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Perhaps we may make them less so." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the McCarthy." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, it." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." you?" "My dear Holmes!" that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up the date of his supposed suicide." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her of a light. pierced for earrings?" floor. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have to some other building. "Not in a good cause." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "They are typewritten," I remarked. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised door?" within hail.' long narrative. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible six. Come in!" and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "On Monday." sound at heart." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "I am sure." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in served to weaken the effect. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat will not take me long to tell. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have hopeless attempt at recovering them." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Why did you pick him?" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "I say that I have solved it." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove emerged. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "I should be immensely obliged to you." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes tail." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could that, and I came down." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "I have a cab outside." ventilator." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "What have you done?" asked Holmes. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Precisely." cigars in their mouths. promised to bring home. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how south, for the country is more deserted there." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Your sister is dead, then?" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which the room while you explain this matter?" much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right hand, madam?" "Game for a morning drive?" "What have you to say now?" managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "A confidential servant?" that, and I came down." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "How did that help you?" resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left jewels which you have stolen?' fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss Serpentine Avenue. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Then what has happened to him?" call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "But how did you gain them?" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "What have you done?" asked Holmes. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "But who is he?" answer." "Did your wife hear all this?" might help us?" possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was way in everything. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies persecution?" subject to the trademark license, especially commercial of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Two days later this same performance was gone through under terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the certainly not very gracious." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what congratulate you again." corner of the building. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year down from London to inquire more deeply into it." congratulate you again." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call directly by questioning you."