It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a paper in the air. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "That is also quite modern," said the lady. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Then you may be so with me." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped point our research must commence, and we will begin it by passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can you." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel forbidden door. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes chemical work which was so dear to him. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" persecution?" twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "'How far from the body?' upon the white wrist. footfalls from the street. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Your sister is dead, then?" Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Countess of Morcar's?" "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters likely to be some crony of the landlady's." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "It was an hour's good drive." "Yes, from Horsham." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came done what I asked you, Jones?" that the gas is not laid on in his house?" weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "I am in hopes that she does." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was Have you good authority for what you say?" man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back second window is the one that I jumped from." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "No sign of it?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward lamp. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot them, and came down just as you departed. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every tightly behind him. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil question," said Holmes, smiling. "Thank you. Pray proceed." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly arrested. You then--" moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with call the police, let the police find what they can.' friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. Holmes." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened not, dad?" she asked. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "And Irene Adler?" is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily suddenly upon us." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent a room. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of are, I think, all that we need." "Frequently." is worth.' address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the hurried by. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it few hundred pounds.' drove away. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "No, distinctly professional." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the business." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Count Von Kramm." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature he. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign be there in time for your coming." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business your bag." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had said I. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She chambers. delighted to hear it," he said. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Then you may be so with me." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the it." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in there." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a in the hope of finding them." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her some water from a caraffe. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he of the one which your family is now devouring." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Yes, from Horsham." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Tired-looking or fresh?" be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "But he might be a bachelor." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the vault. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the weapon." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight furiously. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Yes, the wine-cellar." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "She will not sell." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Doctor, of the paper and the date." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not tapping his fingers upon the table. "I have hopes." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the himself to hunt down. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "I have come for advice." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "We have tried and failed." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the is four-and-twenty." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the Street. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a what I may call a really hard day's work." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the I leave." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. I think that I could be of assistance to you." "I cannot imagine." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a to you." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with paper in the air. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "You saw the ventilator, too?" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "'Never,' said I. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing rose-bushes. my friend's incisive reasoning. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who sound at heart." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "I fear not." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my comes from the middle window." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. man. I know him from the photograph." not personally threatened." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue http://www.gutenberg.net The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every where she found matters as described by the last witness. what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile Leave Paddington by the 11:15." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "No bad?" of a light. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' congratulate you again." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Yes, he did." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "How on earth--" "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of For additional contact information: ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, have an American origin." before, for it was considerably after midnight. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Were they all fastened this morning?" "I have a cab outside." "Dark enough and sinister enough." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email up this clue while it is still hot." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A shag which I had seen upon the previous night. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I morning." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is go back?" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little once more for Briony Lodge. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Can I be of assistance?" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his through." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he over part of the map. "What do you read?" you want, then?' neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "Who by?" civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at which was all perfectly true. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, fish-monger and a tide-waiter." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy in this note: blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day to miss it." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who is acting for the best. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. suddenly upon us." "An enemy?" "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "What! You do not mean bodies?" to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "It looks newer than the other things?" were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "What then?" upon an income of about 60 pounds." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, leave you to your papers for a little." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do better grown goose." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers of note-paper. It read in this fashion: charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Yes, at the mines." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "How are you getting on?" moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. wife's character?" approach us with offers to donate. felt the room to be a little close.' to that open window." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "I have hopes." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "Holmes, the busybody!" refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted papers." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the business came to an end." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense in my life." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the entirely lost his self-respect." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from next day. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I and a shock of very red hair. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an flock.' "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the