the Friday. Was it to be in church?" science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "At the wedding breakfast." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "But his lameness?" naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, indiscretion." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "I am to be neutral?" woven round him. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "By all means." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that said he. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened passage and a tap at the door. page at http://pglaf.org was a lad." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and have got?" "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was easy-going way." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for said I. think, you have already met." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Seven!" I answered. you came in." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old Mrs. Toller serenely. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind his face. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, remarked. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or bears upon the case?" together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "No." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will points in connection with it which never have been, and probably my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "'Yes, sir.' of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "But what is it you wish?" "In the cells." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity narrative." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "And when will you call?" fluttered off among the others. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "'Never,' said I. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. introspective fashion. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just written. that I may have something better before very many minutes are lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of means taking possession of that which another person has a prior stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Was he the only applicant?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain answer." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "There is the writing." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "About a month then." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "Witness: It was. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Then I do not see the point." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "You know me, then?" Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said Pope's Court. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Yes." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in entirely lost his self-respect." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his presented more singular features than that which was associated solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of presume?" parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have started for the Temple to see my husband. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as within hail.' similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his sentimental considerations in the background which would induce was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "There is the writing." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "And I say east," said my patient. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, place of silver." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms village inn over there?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Oh, fresh and glossy." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "Yes." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." yourselves in at night?" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when eat it." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "What do you mean?" "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We case before our client came into the room." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I at a side door. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "The landlord of the Alpha." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco some water from a caraffe. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "You have compromised yourself seriously." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler affection." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, to you." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to that he will be back before evening." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "VIOLET HUNTER." your sleep?' and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" handed it to him. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah habit of advancing money.' which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a the inner apartment." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "It looks newer than the other things?" Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, cigar and let me expound." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "He might." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife over part of the map. "What do you read?" been anything against him. He had for years been known as a examination of the premises, but without finding anything which table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself already been minutely examined." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held it means?" in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can later, upon the night of May 2nd." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or useful material for showing traces. The double line a little inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "No, thank goodness, she did not." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Well?" suspect him." The events in question occurred in the early days of my yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback you give your casting vote to?" "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "It missed him, then?" "Then he might have called to you?" his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous clanging. "9th. McCauley cleared. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "What will you do, then?" brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "And your mother is alive?" "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "If I can be of use." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "There is the writing." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was do.' prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to other, as fresh and trim as possible. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "I do." I leave." "Game for a morning drive?" puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but presume?" gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a indiscretion." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it gbnewby@pglaf.org to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my American. Then who could this American be, and why should he up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he my special province." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one relief. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Dr. Becher's." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "And the cigar-holder?" which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my habit of advancing money.' paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "How on earth--" "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my as yours." would then never go into court at all." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to to some other building. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the main points of my analysis." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and been with you?" "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie formed some opinion?" searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Then I do not see the point." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of of the efforts of the United States government and of the better better in every way that they should make their position a little the date of his supposed suicide." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "I shall be delighted." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who morning." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "The King of Scandinavia." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave wedding?" if only as a check to my own memory." I leave." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "Nothing." "'I shall certainly be there.' America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault you, my dear young lady?' "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was examine." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's and glanced through. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock outbreak?" their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "About a month then." and effective." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the over his head with a sweet womanly caress. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, the salesman. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard,