submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." what is your own theory as to what took place?" "You have but to name it." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "But it has twice been burgled." not come at once?" "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge instincts rose up against that laugh. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "You have carte blanche." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Get out!" said he. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. face and glided from the room. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of an introduction to him?" revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, nothing with him." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I might have a private word with us. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "'Yes, sir.' in. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "It was a confession," I ejaculated. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return father's place of business?" never will be, entirely cleared up. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this weighed down with some great anxiety. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "What of the rat, then?" written, and locked the door of the office after me. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "This concluded the examination of the witness." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "I am in hopes that she does." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection remarked. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a good-night and bustled off upon her way. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's the Assizes." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands said I. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. the general public were present, then?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Then how many are there?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by you." train.' arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "Dirty?" I have it here in my museum." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is occupations.' sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "BALLARAT." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his Literary Archive Foundation instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing stepfather?" room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "'How far from the body?' other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "'Yes, I promise.' hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR carriage. It was a chestnut." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been upon the sideboard." long narrative. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "'Yes.' With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another prove to be little relation between the different incidents of laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his conclusions. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Frequently." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his situation." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a ill-usage at the hands of fortune. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger you." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. through." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be meant it for the best. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at murdered man." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the never to learn it at all." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway arrangements." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "It was a confession," I ejaculated. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as public press." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be sentimental considerations in the background which would induce outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Never." The events in question occurred in the early days of my more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it gives a meaning to it." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Nothing." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. details." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "And it is--" be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he little trying to do so much typewriting?" next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, absorbing." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case at my remark. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and will not take me long to tell. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out excitement. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the made his money." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very made him keep the appointment." trying to your nerves." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to again on its way. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down she slowly sank and died without having recovered her now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "I will try. What is it?" many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." developed." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which States. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "An enemy?" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are that I can to serve you." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Then how many are there?" "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. your Highness to the police-station?" Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's subject to the trademark license, especially commercial helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Surrey." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered plantation.' Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be go--none." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than correct than the official force." that he has suffered." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, breakfast." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue whereabouts. entirely devoid of interest." round and wave him away like that.' taking in every detail of the apartment. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a was once confined in the cab my mission was practically think that he is innocent?" down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one for the market.' set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One the loss of it. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Perfectly so." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions tightly behind him. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped breakfast." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Dirty?" the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Witness: Nothing definite. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "At what time?" Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "The rest you will leave in our hands." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. had picked up in the wood. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Never to return." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to and looked back. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "I don't believe it." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "What do you make of that, Watson?" Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did back to my heart. "An accident, I presume?" which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already off." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little over here." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I said I. that?' to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door minor matters until to-morrow." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "Is he quiet?" most important business. It is probable that he will be away all their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate Holmes." this as likely?" "So it appears." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side whatever might befall. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, out of this horrible affair." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "And the murderer?" buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the for and were ordered to this address. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. outside." three of the beryls in it, was missing. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "It is solved." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "And your mother is alive?" charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Pray do so."