I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. was feeling which was the fattest.' hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can ventilator." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "You have carte blanche." one of the states of the Union." "No." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Yes." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "I am armed." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more fasten all the windows?" during the last few years, and there are many noble families to You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch bedroom door." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside other, as fresh and trim as possible. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, over with notes and figures. "Eh? What was that?" Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "I should like to see him very much." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It bill, which interests me deeply." breakfast." power." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the was a loud and authoritative tap. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Pray do so." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and photograph a cabinet?" My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch a monotonous occupation." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to of fine shops and stately business premises that they really which our visitor detailed to us. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "An enemy?" But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an that you wished to speak to me?' bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it Lestrade of Scotland Yard." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for time." "Pray do so." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you row." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather where she found matters as described by the last witness. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in good for you to do.' so far?" to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon where Mr. Fordham shows you.' would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, colour had been driven from his face. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "He said that you could solve anything." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, started for the Temple to see my husband. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning success. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. shoulder; "he's all right." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Nothing?" methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. past. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "And I." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "You think that he is dead?" that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, opened a pocket-book and took out a note. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "And what did you learn from him?" to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk think that any burglar could have done. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man lamp in his hand. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), empty. I leave." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "It was an hour's good drive." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the the bottom.' are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become bled considerably." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again I took the paper from him and read as follows: visitors." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "When did it break out?" that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "It may not come to that," said Holmes. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature begin with, and I had not got mine yet." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst presume?" though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "By train from Waterloo." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed is entirely a question of barometric pressure." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able emerged. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, triumphant cloud from his cigarette. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." went to the Alpha were town bred." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had straightened it out again. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Yes." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. several quiet little villages up there." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open meant it for the best. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "The decline of his fortunes, then?" the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned laugh and put his lips to my ear. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "I saw her in conversation with her maid." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up instincts rose up against that laugh. situation." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things himself in a perplexing position. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his of fine shops and stately business premises that they really earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no their singular warning or token before them when starting upon this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said child?' "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "No, my brougham is waiting." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire the tragedy. question. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "How many? I don't know." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us colonel looking down at me. business." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. public press." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom introspective fashion. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "And I." manager. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, very old mansion. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Her father is very rich?" coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner do.' "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "But your client--" "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the be there in time for your coming." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This this as likely?" whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. to that open window." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "I think it very unlikely." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "May I see it?" long narrative. "No, my brougham is waiting." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still stepfather?" "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "What are they?" head. So long, then!" into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My that, and I came down." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of the side-table." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would cigars in the box." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Pray continue your narrative." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in daring than any effort of the imagination." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this Again Holmes raved in the air. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back which was all perfectly true. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one society." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "'You doubt its value?' he asked. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended voice, changing her seat as requested. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed his knees, staring into the fire. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Only as much as we can deduce." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can heavily into it. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled the general public were present, then?" never came back." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Yes, sir." "No." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and what do you think they found in the pockets?" "We must have a cab." cost them two and thirty pounds." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return trifles." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it Where does the thing come from?' fuss that is made over them." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said fattened it expressly for you.' time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do little trying to do so much typewriting?" "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the skylight. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "On Monday." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom jewels which you have stolen?' "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against have I gained?" "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change out of this horrible affair." from the brougham. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a it." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "How can you tell that?" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the round and wave him away like that.' them present such singular features as the strange train of "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, them?" go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the dramatic, in fact." his forehead." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. Count Von Kramm." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a he. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" we went to search for him, face downward in a little "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle