liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the British peeress.'" words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "Your sister is dead, then?" their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant had formerly been in part my own. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed at a side door. of Fenchurch Street." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "'I have already given you my word.' imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Yes, from Horsham." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon better in every way that they should make their position a little These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had tied." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many ventilator." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "I am still in the dark." said Mr. Holder. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" States. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set tell him that I know him to be innocent." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the south-west, I see." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "I cannot tell." "'There is a drive, then?' beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Yes, sir." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just one of the states of the Union." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "'And what salary do you ask?' her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and take the flies, but not before." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not unkempt, staring out at me. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for important." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding hands. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my tapping his fingers upon the table. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." London for the present?" twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "Is he quiet?" breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw himself in a perplexing position. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "How about poison?" ran thus: "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Ample." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me breakfast?" "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. the matter." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Yes." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "But how will you look?" "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "VIOLET HUNTER." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in notes," he said. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "He said too much." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by despaired of." go back?" were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the events than those which have happened in my own family." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with gbnewby@pglaf.org "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to good-night and bustled off upon her way. "He disappeared so suddenly." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each It was close upon four before the door opened, and a Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are him to be an active member of the medical profession." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Upon what point?" Farm upon the left." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Then I do not see the point." "And what did you learn from him?" computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "He might." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the be sorry for having acted so harshly." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to about here speaks of his kindness to him." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to soul! here is her carriage at the door." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever than to us. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "'How far from the body?' "Come in!" said he. what is your own theory as to what took place?" There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking entirely lost his self-respect." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty approach us with offers to donate. I am not easy in my mind about them." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old I shall communicate with you." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to nonsense.' a monotonous occupation." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Just look it up, then." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and careless servant girl?" box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son My friend smiled. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "I cannot imagine." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs that, and I came down." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and any." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "I cannot tell." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "'And the work?' "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "Very murderous indeed." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that occurred." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." whatever might befall. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon following enigmatical notices: to a light-house. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, John Swain, of St. Augustine. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding becomes even more simple." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "I am armed." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "It was." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not Arthur Conan Doyle a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular unkempt, staring out at me. "'As governess?' Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of about here speaks of his kindness to him." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is meant it for the best. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, went to the Alpha were town bred." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened I think that I could be of assistance to you." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "How many? I don't know." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have matter over." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have lids now and glanced across at his visitor. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of she might be summoned. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "What have you done?" asked Holmes. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over telegram would bring me down to your help." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "No, distinctly professional." beyond words. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Dirty?" "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "I am to be neutral?" clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "A confidential servant?" the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round I have it here in my museum." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "Of what?" "'Then let me do so?' have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "And I to find an enemy." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but you in yours." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "But he might be a bachelor." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of empty. "No, I think that I'll take it." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and begin with, and I had not got mine yet." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and business." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "A call for help, you thought?" "To ruin me." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable enter into my head. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not that you can jump it.' "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Nor running a chance of arrest?" rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "How many? I don't know." that he has suffered." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. Have you good authority for what you say?" towards the blaze. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the conceal it?" My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then to go into your room and bar your shutters?" The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "I answered that I had not. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and