supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Entirely." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, point our research must commence, and we will begin it by undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. the little opening for the ventilator is." "Yes." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect paper in the air. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not could gather together that I was able to avert another public twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained handed it to him. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may and shall probably return to London by the evening train." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do leave you to your papers for a little." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "I will do it." thought that she would have been so carried away." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of and looked back. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and and prosperity to your house. Good-night." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "I am in hopes that she does." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of Serpentine Avenue. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize gentleman's clothes. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of which we had just quitted. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in to his chemical studies. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "I have come for advice." generous with you in money matters.' "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. of receipt of the work. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "'Tell me all about it,' said I. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, It may be so in this case, also." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, records." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined London for the present?" intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "What, then, did Peterson do?" came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "I promise," said Holmes. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" were wasted." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon means taking possession of that which another person has a prior than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "That is also quite modern," said the lady. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want it right.' chair. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "It certainly sounds feasible." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "What do you make of that, Watson?" showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here amused." once more to my work. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child young Openshaw's." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a the one as in the other." head. So long, then!" do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be man. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and evidence," I remarked. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Well." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent success. charge against him will break down." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and his huge brown hands. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would drawing your inferences." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece Eyford at 11:15.' were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and and inquire as to the address." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael manager. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and the south-west, I see." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has way in everything. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my golden eyeglasses. careless servant girl?" locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Nothing?" "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's her also." "And what did you see?" friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of spark where all is dark to me." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced me, and I could not think that his explanation of the entirely lost his self-respect." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a followed. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" deduce something from that?" of his shoulders. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have in one or two places in England?' still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found results." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Pray let us have it, for all that." "None." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" singular points about the case. What did the police think of the key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call the stable lane now." conceal it?" pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "What then?" "Game for a morning drive?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always said he at last. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered minor matters until to-morrow." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I she to prove their authenticity?" be best to do. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, very morning of my second wedding." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "But how?" ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well she used." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home hands. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a lids now and glanced across at his visitor. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful 'please.'" which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from disturbance in my wife." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Nothing." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "Pray do so." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "No bad?" perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Yes." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Not I." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are telegram would bring me down to your help." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "And that is--" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I the house with me." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which main points of my analysis." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "No, my brougham is waiting." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Then I shall certainly come." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "I cannot imagine." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "No legal papers or certificates?" is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I coroner's jury." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in maid will bring up your coffee." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to his forehead." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream the matter?" charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Was your sister dressed?" to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. have accepted such a situation. charge against him will break down." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, was once confined in the cab my mission was practically black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon to me. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to will not take me long to tell. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Yes." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." gbnewby@pglaf.org logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, seven miles from Eyford Station.' the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost public press." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be exactly what you advise." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my the morning and make my own way in the world.' fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but to-night?' place, I think that there is good ground to think that the McCarthy's innocence. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number believe that I should never have any practice at all. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "My dear Holmes!" unkempt, staring out at me. Chief Executive and Director "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum ways of our fellow-men." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "I am following you closely," I answered. where we are going." "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Well, some hundreds of times." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an asked. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has congenial hunt. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for for and were ordered to this address. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for speckled band?" call for protection in the marriage market, for the present permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "ARAT," I read. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was indiscretion." gone before you can get him to hospital." which are rolled in Rotterdam." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your never came back." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "And how did you verify them?" bird of prey. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place through." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the considering the formidable letters which were received by himself slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be there is a decided draught." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, go back?" bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' chair. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are bell. Holmes whistled. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked use an arc-and-compass breastpin." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." straightened it out again. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary of your young ladies.' little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "Why, what do you mean?" carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear London for the present?" quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which