"I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a must compliment you." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be sentimental considerations in the background which would induce recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport national property. I was determined that the law should have its more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "The murder was done with it." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, guilty parties." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "'I have heard so.' Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to and a shock of very red hair. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Stolen." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all characteristics, but those are the more obvious." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set the warnings." "How on earth--" "No." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and was feeling which was the fattest.' "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. look dissatisfied." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever might have a private word with us. like gravel from a pit.' suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Yes, they were peculiar boots." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Yes, but only for you and me." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the gentleman's clothes. "'As governess?' Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A simple cases which are so extremely difficult." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. really the only notable feature about the thing." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Certainly." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third the best of training." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in once more for Briony Lodge. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "No, finished." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a better in every way that they should make their position a little discontent upon his features. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "And you don't know his address?" weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. 'please.'" and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "I will, Miss Turner." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old the coronet in his hand?" As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had envelope. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "It surprised me." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "'As governess?' nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Was he the only applicant?" round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "To an English lawyer named Norton." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you of note-paper. It read in this fashion: seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, crime. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and had no one to advise her at such a crisis." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "'I have already given you my word.' have an American origin." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both taking in every detail of the apartment. "No more words. Get out!" tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "I will do it." "Nearly eleven." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress me." "How do you know, then?" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At retorted upon me, and I on you." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what questioning and rather startled gaze. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained or in danger--" in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an our word." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the Countess of Morcar's?" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely Doctor, of the paper and the date." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue least a fellow-countryman. client, rising. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, you in your example." "The vanishing of the lady." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other the night.' furiously. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered knowledge of the world." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get The events in question occurred in the early days of my he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at foresight and the moral retrogression?" round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Was he the only applicant?" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have have established a very serious case against the son of the there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "And why?" provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. shoulder; "he's all right." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came upon an income of about 60 pounds." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the colour had been driven from his face. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Was the window open?" his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a remarked. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her to tell." retorted upon me, and I on you." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work of this gang." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Perhaps I have." "No, but the enclosure is." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade and the whole place is in a blaze." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit to a more successful conclusion." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "'Certainly not.' Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "'Never.' me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong II. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. him to be an active member of the medical profession." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had certainly not very gracious." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "That is easily got." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be opened the door, and slipped through. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project to tackle the facts." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his is worth.' used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned or in danger--" flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "So I have heard." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the take the flies, but not before." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. other means.' I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "I cannot tell." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "How on earth--" crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "It is half-past ten now." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Nothing." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very go from here to the Strand." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Tired-looking or fresh?" "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "'And what salary do you ask?' jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." long narrative. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "What! a murderous attack?" said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Was there a secret marriage?" bill, which interests me deeply." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" other, as fresh and trim as possible. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you depend upon my doing so.' assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "I cannot as yet see any connection." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two quite distinctive." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of drawing your inferences." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "I don't say that. Perhaps." copied or distributed: and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case maiden herself was most instructive." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and papers must be those that are destroyed.' away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had views." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who death." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "I see no marks." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, go back?" manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's skylight. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "No, I had a dozen." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. one or two very singular points about this room. For example,