"You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had that, and I came down." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon secret." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There new acquaintance to Baker Street. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "And I say east," said my patient. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that if I call to-morrow?" was not a bird to be seen there. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "No sign of it?" jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. Watson," he said cordially. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little indeed happy." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "What shall I do?" "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture we went to search for him, face downward in a little "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the me. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "You are certainly joking, Holmes." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "There is the writing." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that definite end. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle towards the blaze. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "None." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "Come in!" said Holmes. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the business." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he made him keep the appointment." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear and your relations to her." problems help me to do so." wedding?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy villagers almost as much as their master. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. was keenly on my guard against him. and have this put in the evening papers." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls to surprise her." "'How far from the body?' "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It my special province." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional important." as yours." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed following enigmatical notices: the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt have I gained?" which I could not give. He asked for Alice. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." Foundation your co-operation." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, acted in my house last night?" trifles." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. out of this horrible affair." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. What do you deduce from it?" "You have compromised yourself seriously." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I this remarkable episode. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had brain must have something in it." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had already been minutely examined." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Did you become engaged then?" do.' impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from is worth.' Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Nothing." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and not personally threatened." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, I leave." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too knowledge of the world." "Perfectly so." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Yes?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "'As governess?' happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Was the window open?" This is what he says: morning." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Murdered?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you fluttered off among the others. "But to whom?" "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Yes, all." papers on the sundial.'" home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near been." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get ways including including checks, online payments and credit card can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "The rest you will leave in our hands." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, Holmes' face clouded over. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. everything which you would wish to know." "Never." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Yes." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps in his hands." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would you understand?" laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley but preventing her from injuring another. neither fascinating nor artistic." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained occupations.' charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until not within a twentieth part of the market price." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed your billet.' little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "But not more so than I to find you." "One of the highest in England." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else knowledge of the world." "I am about to be married." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "But how?" "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with be there in time for your coming." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place out of this horrible affair." and wait." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such again on its way. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor colour had been driven from his face. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel of campaign. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last Munro.' it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a had picked up in the wood. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of October 9, 1890. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. the house with me." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Could he throw no light?" her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "And I say east," said my patient. whatever might befall. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, this Miss Turner." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "But to whom?" whereabouts. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my existence." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major your Highness to the police-station?" "'What, the red-headed man?' "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. lost his Christmas dinner." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "'Certainly not. But why?' I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been hair?' the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him and the whole place is in a blaze." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the to talk it over. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The been with you?" "'Most admirably.' it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of thin, with a long, sharp nose?" it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "'I have heard so.' confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe chance." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to me upon any point which I do not make clear." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "From his hat?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, Pope's Court. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "How about poison?" "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "A call for help, you thought?" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." third from London." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "I see no marks." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel residence of the great financier. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "But she could not love him." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it the inquest, and which are worth considering." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of my room." "Then I can wait in the next room." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "Then I can wait in the next room." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Was there a secret marriage?" "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was investigation." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too of Mr. Rucastle's." remarked. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall delighted to hear it," he said. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the that there was nothing in it, after all." way in." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "And you can do nothing until then?" Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, room had already been engaged for us. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Then how many are there?" "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue.