excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Of what?" air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "'Certainly,' I answered. outbreak?" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "You have but to name it." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "And on what day did he meet his death?" of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" the station." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban carpenter." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and mystery!" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "'Is 4 pounds a week.' of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us think that any burglar could have done. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." been shamefully used." "My photograph." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his at my own good fortune. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Did he not advertise?" Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "'As governess?' second window is the one that I jumped from." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was morning." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining presume?" Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who and all of them with the keenest interest. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "And why in hopes?" which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that hurried away. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I ready to-morrow?' disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was crackling voice. open." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss Miss Holder?" propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "But what will you do?" silent! Oh, he will be silent!' unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses pictures, libraries, or plate. papers on the sundial.'" little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Why? What do you mean?" Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, his fortune, and I went back to pa. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me despair." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to Street. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "The knees of his trousers." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the green of the new foliage. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort laugh and put his lips to my ear. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, outside." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned of." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you later, upon the night of May 2nd." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "It is a murder, then?" evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "I guessed as much." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or Farm upon the left." "No more words. Get out!" to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." was not a bird to be seen there. "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, ways including including checks, online payments and credit card why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "'Where to?' had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "'No, I know no one in these parts.' why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. daring than any effort of the imagination." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, to affect your life." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it read over the extraordinary announcement. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "And how did he make his money?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for humiliation." tell him that I know him to be innocent." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "What steps will you take?" I asked. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your case-book, which he consulted. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of have I gained?" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland foresight and the moral retrogression?" cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Holmes, the busybody!" Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of as this. Pray let me have the details." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my throat." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "'And what are they worth?' I asked. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other done what I asked you, Jones?" broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, was keenly on my guard against him. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, geese which you supplied to the Alpha." was shining brightly. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have strange features which were associated with the two crimes which stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "No, my brougham is waiting." in him." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, before the coroner and the police-court." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to might help us?" know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "By no means." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. entirely lost his self-respect." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for I. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been made him keep the appointment." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so the bed, and you in that chair." relief. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the for and were ordered to this address. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the Heh?' "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' very morning of my second wedding." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my orange pips. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been and wait." I shall communicate with you." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal geese which you supplied to the Alpha." shoulder; "he's all right." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "You think so, too?" she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet bare slabs of marble. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. we went to search for him, face downward in a little garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. thin legs towards the fire. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had begun to whiten, even as mine has." that there was nothing in it, after all." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "Breckinridge is his name." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Holmes, the busybody!" "And it is--" diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed hurried by. all?" I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." my friend's incisive reasoning. and inquire as to the address." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "I will get her to show me." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." several quiet little villages up there." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of go from here to the Strand." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day fashion which was peculiar to him. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in brandy and water within his reach. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and to talk it over. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand crackling voice. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to voice, changing her seat as requested. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "What will you say?" "It is solved." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and information in his hands the value of which he did not himself stepfather?" dates and names. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "I am following you closely," I answered. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His his fortune, and I went back to pa. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "We must have a cab." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Dark enough and sinister enough." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they young Openshaw's." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the train.' which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "What, then, did Peterson do?" "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of presented which may be striking and bizarre without being said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself the stable lane now." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Yes?" doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "I have hopes." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The o'clock is it?" Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the disappearance of these gems?" "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "By all means." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not yourselves in at night?" home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right been anything against him. He had for years been known as a the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Where does the thing come from?' the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that everything which you would wish to know." for and were ordered to this address. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, II. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "I am about to be married." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "I would give my fortune to have them back." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "It is very kind of you." chair. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was floor. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her help us in this matter." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here awkward doing business with an alias." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an dead, shall be safe with us." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was lost nothing by them." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "By all means." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons sofa. This way, please!" managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that to have that photograph." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "We were both in the photograph." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out upon a handsome competence. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Well, it is a possible supposition." Street. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor chance at all." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the tapping his fingers upon the table. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing you want, then?' purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let there when the Rucastles went away." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how definite end.