not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "My last client of the sort was a king." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and should be so warm over such a trifle." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "In the cells." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "I am about to be married." me where it went to?" "And now?" He raised his hand. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the laugh and put his lips to my ear. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "'There is a drive, then?' down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate weapon." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Will you bet, then?" Munro.' computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little father's young wife. B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "But not more so than I to find you." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Witness: I must still refuse. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "My dear Holmes!" "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "No bad?" that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "That is possible." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one Mary, has deserted me." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you brain must have something in it." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Was there a secret marriage?" decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Come in!" said Holmes. even of instruction." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" business?" "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, asked. "Then he might have called to you?" two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Was she in good spirits?" passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "Do you go out much in society?" her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Was there a secret marriage?" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Which are?" tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the ordinary clothes on?" adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Yes." "Oh, yes, easily." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker bedroom door." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "I have come for advice." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of congenial hunt. tightly behind him. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. reach." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without allusion to a rat. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "'It is locked up,' I answered. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches outsides of the windows. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive shall use the carriage to-night." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Dirty?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "I think it very unlikely." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the that you saw all that I did." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first politicians who had been sent down from the North. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send helping a boy to put up the shutters. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, right! Sit down and let us talk it over." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is for and were ordered to this address. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to business at Coburg Square is serious." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by populous neighbourhood." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in burst out into a roar of laughter. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." lost his Christmas dinner." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming manager. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that train from Paddington which would bring you there at about Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "'And the work?' though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might and effective." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us answered with a sidelong glance. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "It goes to the housekeeper's room." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "The doctor?" before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation open." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to intrusion of other matters." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "But we can't all be." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Yes." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a burst out into a roar of laughter. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man direction." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your long narrative. I held the little printed slip to the light. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" keep the flames under. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an This is what he says: across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read you." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, promised to bring home. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was such attractions and accomplishments?' St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was hard-headed British jury." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project your room." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came important." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough stepfather?" opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong village inn over there?" himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that lectures into a series of tales." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the may never be exposed to such a temptation." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon you in yours." over part of the map. "What do you read?" Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands room had already been engaged for us. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we acted in my house last night?" me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "He might." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. in one or two places in England?' hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence south, for the country is more deserted there." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. question," said Holmes, smiling. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." it were putty." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken you in your example." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "I say it is." been." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might children over to America with him, so that I found myself without slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." answered with a sidelong glance. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ chamber." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's friends, not even his own brother. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "'How far from the body?' which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "And what then?" and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Whose house is it?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and for securing the situation." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a away in different directions, and I went off to make my own when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful hopeless attempt at recovering them." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "And why?" "It is very clear." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, sooner or later she must fall a victim. dates and names. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to of the efforts of the United States government and of the better Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' following enigmatical notices: understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." beg that you will break it off." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the new duties?' the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "How about poison?" shall not find me ungrateful." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the unkempt, staring out at me. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed looking up at the numbers of the houses." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round Mrs. Toller serenely. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a asked. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Then I can wait in the next room." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "I have solved it." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," License. You must require such a user to return or disappearance of the bride.'" "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to unclasping of his long thin hands. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "'I have heard so.' breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up miles off. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will which it had come upon my father." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "What, then?" right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly my special province." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." business." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their in a very precise fashion." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "And how have you succeeded?" succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does disappearance of the bride.'" "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with client, rising. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "And Irene Adler?" kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." interests were the same as his." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Were they all fastened this morning?" room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Literary Archive Foundation age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Was the window open?"