have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Her father is very rich?" which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of everything which you would wish to know." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, and looked back. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced she might be summoned. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "You horrify me!" the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Texas, I think." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "My Mary? Impossible!" "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, few hundred pounds.' "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "But to whom?" league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and eat it." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I fishes. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the all?" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, him, that man would not have given me such complete information three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Yes." politicians who had been sent down from the North. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." meant it for the best. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son chance." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "That is not always so easy." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us plantation.' centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their and it need not interfere very much with one's other "I fear not." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "The decline of his fortunes, then?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging most important business. It is probable that he will be away all Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Pray let us have it, for all that." respectable self." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Yes, the wine-cellar." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as more terrible than the truth. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly been with you?" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even to arrive at through this?" of campaign. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had shoulder; "he's all right." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Street. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Yes, at the mines." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting be best to do. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "It was an hour's good drive." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most more solid." mystery." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was when you have done it." my secret was safe in his possession. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand have an American origin." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its I. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "No, I am descending." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper bare slabs of marble. it were putty." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "I will not look." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite status with the IRS. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the persecution?" of his shoulders. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "'I shall certainly be there.' yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view anything to a woman, for she would have her way." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was bare slabs of marble. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it families. Now for the facts. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "And how did he make his money?" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any garden below. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our a room. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Yes." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and call you and give you the chance." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the national property. I was determined that the law should have its rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am geese which you supplied to the Alpha." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the I shall communicate with you." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking were new raised from a basin. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Stoke Moran?" said he. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "No, my brougham is waiting." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see south, for the country is more deserted there." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "The landlord of the Alpha." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." page at http://pglaf.org hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and clang of the bell. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a down in his armchair and closing his eyes. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "In which, sir?" in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As newspaper selections." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When is so. I know all about McCarthy." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "That was it, sir." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily Holmes rather sternly. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little tassel actually lying upon the pillow. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the appeared upon the scene." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are hour." some city in a dream. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I was feeling which was the fattest.' law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through name is different." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible married her." arrested. You then--" "My last client of the sort was a king." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of into her hand at the door and which lured her within their the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Were they all fastened this morning?" I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" happened." Edgeware Road. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom lips." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "That is possible." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it enough to aid us in our search." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Will you bet, then?" "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon stood on the top of it. "'Yes, sir.' "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other other means.' receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." of his shoulders. "On Monday." dramatic, in fact." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "How on earth--" "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few these bleak autumnal evenings." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. quite distinctive." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own Heh?' fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "ARAT," I read. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, the night.' "I am still in the dark." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what heavily into it. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "What will you do, then?" that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "I guessed as much." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. the tragedy. digesting their breakfasts at home." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we get her out of the way." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Where is it, then?" is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or introspective fashion. annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened shoulder; "he's all right." in the hope of finding them." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' to his chemical studies. other lovers by making love himself." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same legal crime." deduce something from that?" "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" dramatic, in fact." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that perplexity from it to my illustrious client. hour." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "You are all wrong." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed and have this put in the evening papers." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Very. But will he see it?" then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He to where he stood hid behind the curtain. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "You have a clue?" feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and once more to my work. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "Frequently." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the felt?" row." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some miles off. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the