"The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is galvanised. with you?" after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "But the mystery?" the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my question. there." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left yourselves in at night?" "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "And is that all?" would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning corner of the building. someone who had been in Australia." the child." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. ourselves in the office." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his fasten all the windows?" are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "No, I think that I'll take it." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "I am all attention, madam." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Look there!" said he. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "None." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "He said that you could solve anything." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." upon the white wrist. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. purpose of examination. the one as in the other." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about I approached. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we sentimental considerations in the background which would induce Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "'A dozen yards or so.' the inner apartment." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "No, I had a dozen." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman back into the street. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point him to go away.' "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not that he has suffered." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I hour." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and at home. never to learn it at all." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," detective. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "I cannot tell." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "By no means." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the advice." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was look upon these things in a different way." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. sneer upon his pale face. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Married! When?" sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that companion. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Here?" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, investigation." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain cigars in the box." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very over here." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. details." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without a little more before I quite committed myself. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "No." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room carpenter." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, purpose equally well?" as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, that he has suffered." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a of." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Yes, from Horsham." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "'Not at all. I only doubt--' in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out again." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. place of silver." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy is a common subject for conversation. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Do you receive much company?" he asked. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the them?" We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes through." friends, not even his own brother. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching as this. Pray let me have the details." acquaintance?" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Where did you address your letters, then?" "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "No bad?" ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "No, distinctly professional." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the or in danger--" particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled written, and locked the door of the office after me. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold over with notes and figures. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "You don't mind breaking the law?" were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, ashen face. appointment with me for six o'clock?" and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could I nodded again. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "But how did you gain them?" her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "It's nothing of the kind." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing where she found matters as described by the last witness. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The strode off upon his way. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "I am sure." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' lamp in his hand. I. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation which we had just quitted. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Precisely so. But how--" this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "Yes, certainly." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." I leave." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple business at Coburg Square is serious." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, This is what he says: postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the placed his cuttings. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the away to you." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Did you observe the colour?" together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "No." "Yes." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "And why?" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "But he might be a bachelor." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from to where he stood hid behind the curtain. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against looking up at the numbers of the houses." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the an introduction to him?" "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Who by?" to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "I am to be neutral?" "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but seem to you to be relevant or not." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice Gutenberg-tm License. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "I would give my fortune to have them back." business came to an end." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. spark where all is dark to me." in the port of London." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so beyond words. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "I think that it is very probable." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. awkward doing business with an alias." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could the tragedy. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something one else, I think." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me tell him that I know him to be innocent." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "But not more so than I to find you." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. situation." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his as yours." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "'I have already given you my word.' "Where did you address your letters, then?" "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of closely." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which Stoke Moran." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what take the flies, but not before." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "'And the work?' Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by extraordinary contortions. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this the matter." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the only touch the interest." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending second." sneer upon his pale face. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A side. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "It is half-past ten now." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man what do you think they found in the pockets?" horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Of Friday, June 19th." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. might have a private word with us. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that not interfere, come what may. You understand?" in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. together. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss hands. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We shaken than I had ever seen him. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name again, where I was soon asleep. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "A greater distance to travel." "And it is--" evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or http://www.gutenberg.net in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Where, then, is my wife?" his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not