up this clue while it is still hot." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless spark where all is dark to me." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being roused himself from his reverie. made his money." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. looking up at the numbers of the houses." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "My dear Holmes!" "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've prepare for the new role I have to play." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "This photograph!" the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "That's no good." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, developed." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "What is it?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed horse could go." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an golden eyeglasses. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on Sholtos." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "There is the writing." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in persecution?" "It may not come to that," said Holmes. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, this man was intellectual?" I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "You were travelling in the States?" give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united read it out to me." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' just ask you whether you had heard it.' back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, she might be summoned. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house a good hundred miles off by now." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally outside." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp present." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to distinguish the words: one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the success. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Yes, the wine-cellar." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." taking in every detail of the apartment. to change my dress. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't completely overtopped every other consideration that we both gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended of." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace that threaten you." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon attention." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to footfalls from the street. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "What is it?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the there in twenty minutes." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." and a shock of very red hair. "But who is he?" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a ventilator." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs hard-headed British jury." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Have you good authority for what you say?" me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave chemical work which was so dear to him. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do questionable one." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Really! You surprise me." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon interested in these little problems, and since you are good the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to these bleak autumnal evenings." directly by questioning you." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "How about poison?" valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" him and tried to hold him back. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your shaken than I had ever seen him. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "'Never,' said I. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "I am about to be married." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Then I can wait in the next room." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the them?" my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Just look it up, then." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very vague figure huddled up in the darkness. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered prepare for the new role I have to play." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began so far?" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held you." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable used to be." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a Leadenhall Street--and--" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for late." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. 'please.'" to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that populous neighbourhood." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he there were so many in the whole country as were brought together appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: forecastle of an emigrant ship. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, away in different directions, and I went off to make my own you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's never came back." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. at my remark. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. emerged. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Yes." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more felt?" Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his your co-operation." carried out of court." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no seen the man in the road." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when have established a very serious case against the son of the said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know taking in every detail of the apartment. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, Lee, in the county of Kent." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. fat-encircled eyes. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to the morning and make my own way in the world.' "No, I am descending." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a better in every way that they should make their position a little tell them apart.' would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my little adventures." "'Most admirably.' the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, into the bag, and made for the door. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "Why did you beat the pavement?" foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one arrested. You then--" the bottom.' of it with the greatest attention. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office Doctor, of the paper and the date." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was tell them apart.' him to be an active member of the medical profession." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more matter." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his advice." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to sit on the left-hand side of the driver." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable been shamefully used." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "What can it mean?" I gasped. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps way in everything. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able this remarkable episode. "'Then let me do so?' until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than existence." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of infinite languor in his face. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The wedding?" of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "In heaven's name, what for?" money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "I came to find a friend." in the hope of finding them." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my man. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "And I say east," said my patient. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "You don't mind breaking the law?" some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work outbreak?" if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. unkempt, staring out at me. "Yes, at the mines." "Certainly." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with delighted to hear it," he said. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Two days later this same performance was gone through under seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which woman who has had her own way to make in the world. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious fait accompli?" the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me fishes. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard gbnewby@pglaf.org "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "And how have you succeeded?" fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and perplexity from it to my illustrious client. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "I am to be neutral?" washing it down with a long draught of water. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused returned to France?" fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin congratulate you again." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Yes, they were peculiar boots." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert said he. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "So it appears." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and your bag." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Do you go out much in society?" it with his own hands." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a Serpentine Avenue. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." sound at heart." own family. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and your equipment. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel coat-tails." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off Eyford at 11:15.'