the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. where she found matters as described by the last witness. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand the very morning of the wedding." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He looking up at the numbers of the houses." in this way: greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of any little problem which you may submit to me." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to sofa. This way, please!" telegram would bring me down to your help." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock forehead. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to was already answered. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have Clair, of Lee." see me here to avoid scandal." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of good-night and bustled off upon her way. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out little trying to do so much typewriting?" breakfast?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an had formerly been in part my own. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "You forget that I know nothing about it." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of written. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "And did you observe any change in her then?" in the port of London." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before society." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside 11:15.' the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your his forehead." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, showing my impatience. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "And the murderer?" my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of companion quietly. round with crates and massive boxes. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I one else, I think." like gravel from a pit.' About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed more terrible than the truth. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in people in all walks of life. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "I never have." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. article?" to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "It is true that I have been generally successful." London for the present?" "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw said I. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the if I call to-morrow?" the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Never." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as clanging. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you these bleak autumnal evenings." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Ten will be early enough." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "But you were on a friendly footing?" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then begin with, and I had not got mine yet." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love your only hope of safety." "Of what?" could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Then I do not see the point." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Nearly eleven." "Bought." congratulate you again." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six could not account in any way for the presence of the missing walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his should be taken.' heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Then what has happened to him?" "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "How often?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Of what?" came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask again before evening." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was even so self-evident a thing as that." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly country, and eventually married, without anyone having a think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "But his lameness?" "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, astonishment. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. Eyford at 11:15.' think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this papers must be those that are destroyed.' beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I and the whole place is in a blaze." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Quite so." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "How about poison?" at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all already referred to. works. "I have seen the police." you, my dear young lady?' flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "Bought." think you a quite exceptional woman." "I answered that I had not. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a London for the present?" these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "It was a confession," I ejaculated. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining again before evening." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate opened a pocket-book and took out a note. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic breakfast." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the distance from the station, and there we found the young lady I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes have got?" murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his to miss it." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Yes, but only for you and me." call you and give you the chance." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. page at http://pglaf.org happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, developed." once more for Briony Lodge. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that her also." maid will bring up your coffee." new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "I shall be delighted." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my fish-monger and a tide-waiter." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He might help us?" purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "None. Neville wrote those words." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to wall." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, examine." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, that he will be back before evening." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk upon the sideboard." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "But it has twice been burgled." little trying to do so much typewriting?" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "No." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "And how did you verify them?" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate I shall communicate with you." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "But you can know nothing of this?" discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I trifles." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon directly by questioning you." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, is acting for the best. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, miles off. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "It was an hour's good drive." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "I see many objections to any such theory." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "But you have hopes?" "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other o'clock is it?" dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can least a fellow-countryman. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that For additional contact information: "Dirty?" she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, letters?" 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "So it appears." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of forehead. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save problems help me to do so." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "How did you deduce the select?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. everything which you would wish to know." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man lumber-room." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little in darkness. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of troubles have been weighing upon his mind. my friend's incisive reasoning. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly think, you have already met." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "No, I think that I'll take it." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to you?" the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got there is a decided draught." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "A confidential servant?" remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "And you don't know his address?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Certainly." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind weary and pale-looking. four million human beings all jostling each other within the me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so his grey eyes. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He photograph?" Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The hands. "I do." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "Will you bet, then?" habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, and inquire as to the address." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, entirely devoid of interest." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own were unconscious?" conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I it with his own hands." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with 'please.'" "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I and laid it on the table. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does more terrible than the truth. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "'You doubt its value?' he asked. made his money."