nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "And how in the world did you find them?" "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." letters?" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Why, what do you mean?" which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." exactly what you advise." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "The rest you will leave in our hands." standing smiling on the door-step. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, be there in time for your coming." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, presented more singular features than that which was associated ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "On Monday." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Then the page we have seen--" danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom salesman. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and him to go away.' "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. morning." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "'A dozen yards or so.' bed dies. Does not that strike you?" A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "'Yes, sir.' face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Yes, sir." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "No." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a it." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" call it cruel." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you cause to be." really the only notable feature about the thing." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of forehead. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his coroner's jury." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then in this note: tear off another piece?' mysterious end." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is neither fascinating nor artistic." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Because he was handy and would come cheap." I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "My dear Holmes!" photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this 1.F. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched off." not as remarkable as your advertisement." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Why did you pick him?" "I am in hopes that she does." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became business." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly go back?" that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you sooner or later she must fall a victim. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what to-night?' Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my cigars in the box." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Yes, only one." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "Yes." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She even of instruction." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. your room." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "It is no ordinary one." four million human beings all jostling each other within the I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Frequently." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Certainly, madam." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. secret." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very strength of mind to control. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was me, and I could not think that his explanation of the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his be best to do. crime. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl soul! here is her carriage at the door." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. with frightened eyes at his accuser. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, noise which awoke you from your sleep?" hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl and wait." "And from a noble client?" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "You did not overhear what they said?" bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his orange pips. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and signal between you and your father? quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Where, indeed?" down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." fishes. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," it." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to rose-bushes. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love bedroom door." "And why?" be sorry for having acted so harshly." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his fattened it expressly for you.' premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." the matter?" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for way in everything. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day and capable of preserving a secret.' "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" fluttered off among the others. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your bell. Holmes whistled. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me never to learn it at all." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few business at Coburg Square is serious." was used.' pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," towards the blaze. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, bearing upon the case." particular state visit http://pglaf.org lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in carpenter." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if the running down." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day figure." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be future lives." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your some water from a caraffe. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the will be renamed. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I what I may call a really hard day's work." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "But what will you do?" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Well." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "An accident, I presume?" wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "One of the highest in England." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. do.' the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some is four-and-twenty." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon way in everything. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think becomes even more simple." forecastle of an emigrant ship. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to charge against him will break down." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment Eyford at 11:15.' I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant habit of advancing money.' drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. morning." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to have an American origin." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "It came here." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were in the port of London." as he remarks, very much against the son." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging who was a member of your goose club." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "Whose house is it?" and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "It is his hat." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "She walked into the breakfast-room." to change my dress. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon never came back." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Nothing." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, people don't know." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of photograph?" many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his to-night." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Where, indeed?" think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "My own seal." man. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in lost his Christmas dinner." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, know all about it," he snarled. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "On your arm?" arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. stepfather?" "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, redistribution. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and really the only notable feature about the thing." "What shall I do?" approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." hour?' before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm."