"One horse?" interjected Holmes. wedding?" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay affair. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "I am sure." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' them present such singular features as the strange train of grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "About a month then." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of in the hope of finding them." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "I don't say that. Perhaps." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All chill to my heart. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged have been better. It is all right." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH feature." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was away to you." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Not in the least." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "When did she vanish, then?" http://gutenberg.net/license). wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, purpose of examination. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had presented more singular features than that which was associated them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's and your relations to her." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "And your father? Did you tell him?" room?" "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Do you go out much in society?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform quick march!" "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small The summons was a brief and urgent one. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I coroner's jury." did not hear it also.' "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched disappearance of the bride.'" upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "No sign of it?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their had no one to advise her at such a crisis." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at peculiar to him. Heh?' it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark already been minutely examined." "And what did you learn from him?" His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is invisible to me," I remarked. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid dead, shall be safe with us." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Did you observe the colour?" place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "This photograph!" "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab spare." "I cannot imagine." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At to-night's adventure." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "There are none." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you and effective." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the details should find their way into the papers. Inspector seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "He might." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed father's place of business?" air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment morning." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a tension within him. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I warn you that they are very incomplete." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" chair. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Nothing." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the I held the little printed slip to the light. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is what these perils are?" "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive me. You must get home instantly and act." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey tassel actually lying upon the pillow. business at Coburg Square is serious." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it envelope. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this noble correspondent could be. "I know where it is." "What, then, did Peterson do?" may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Ah!" schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent was keenly on my guard against him. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "I am all attention, madam." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Absolutely?" charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you the devil!" Sholtos." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Not him." The summons was a brief and urgent one. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson wedding?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Yes. He waved his hands." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "'Why that?' I asks. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not his forehead." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Pray do so." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his any more." hands. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, it? Did I buy the geese off you?" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions make me his representative both with the servants and with the Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" guilty one." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the lids now and glanced across at his visitor. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, was it brought him the coronet? held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was absolutely follow my advice in every respect." again before evening." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny ventilator." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an green of the new foliage. "Here?" matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "And how did he make his money?" merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "And I." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had prepare for the new role I have to play." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always the station." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the congenial hunt. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but taking in every detail of the apartment. broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which or other trace. But how on earth--" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived money should be paid at once.' "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door o'clock is it?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the you?" dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was pound a week." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. away to you." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "No." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that entirely devoid of interest." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "How did you trace it, then?" the night.' that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended washing it down with a long draught of water. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "And now?" I asked. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident mysterious business." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have in darkness. back into the street. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, Holmes." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let several quiet little villages up there." national property. I was determined that the law should have its the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you laugh and put his lips to my ear. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very and put his glass in his pocket. investigation." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "'And the work?' we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the easy-going way." meant." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my woman who has had her own way to make in the world. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few have one." formed some opinion?" careless servant girl?" immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster arms and began to sob in a high treble key. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The writers could invent nothing more crude." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. waste of energy." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up spark where all is dark to me." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to his face. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "I think that it is very probable." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "I answered that I had not. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my appeal." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this taking in every detail of the apartment. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the Sutherland. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk appeared upon the scene." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. see me here to avoid scandal." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to presume?" woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream geese which you supplied to the Alpha." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Seven!" I answered. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, answered with a sidelong glance. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the His smile broadened. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "And on what day did he meet his death?" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "And that is--" "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "And how did you verify them?" the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall dead, shall be safe with us." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of I leave." evidence," I remarked. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "What I expected to see." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in child?' "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done spark where all is dark to me." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, public press." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by whereabouts. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Ample." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a some water from a caraffe. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my of the way of danger. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "And you can do nothing until then?" weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked