"Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "Well." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are could go. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "But what will you do?" "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must Chief Executive and Director is worth.' "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax unprecedented a position." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, into the room. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural in your London, you will know that the office of the company is Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major opened a pocket-book and took out a note. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "What then?" and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for Pope's Court, Fleet Street." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and gives a meaning to it." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with Have you good authority for what you say?" set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Won't it ring?" towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "I have hopes." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, daring than any effort of the imagination." his huge brown hands. wanted for ourselves." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "What have you to say now?" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had with you alone." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. them present such singular features as the strange train of ways including including checks, online payments and credit card passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the I think that I could be of assistance to you." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, child?' My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "But you would not advise me to refuse?" will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all the nursery. "By train from Waterloo." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for to where he stood hid behind the curtain. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in companion. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of It may be so in this case, also." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect awkward doing business with an alias." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. that you can jump it.' It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have I was concerned in it." points to suicide?" "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the gbnewby@pglaf.org had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "And is that all?" we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some best detective that ever lived. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to examine." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was sentimental considerations in the background which would induce suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "I answered that I had not. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I wanted for ourselves." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be right! Sit down and let us talk it over." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a disappearance of these gems?" Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Where to?" it." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute the side-table." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "And Miss Sutherland?" electronic works in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. your only hope of safety." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you excitement. "Yes, from Horsham." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "I will try. What is it?" your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should mystery." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "On the contrary, this is the right side." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "Pray be precise as to details," said he. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a frequently gained my first real insight into the character of adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. as this. Pray let me have the details." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "She showed me, as I told you she would." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman plantation.' without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter of the efforts of the United States government and of the better her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner as yours." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. locked." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not be there in time for your coming." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to looking up at the numbers of the houses." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled window when the police appeared." "My last client of the sort was a king." "Not social, then?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. was feeling which was the fattest.' "I see no marks." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for searched, without anything being found which could incriminate you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Deserted you?" to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was used to be." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I cigar and let me expound." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "He disappeared so suddenly." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Game for a morning drive?" Eyford." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "I was certainly surprised to find you there." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend get the tickets." "His face fell immediately. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in the salesman. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. that I can to serve you." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Your presence might be invaluable." "None." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." young Openshaw's." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater fait accompli?" But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his purpose equally well?" never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send works. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "You think so, too?" presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "You will not go there first?" With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the to-morrow." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be page at http://pglaf.org Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural woman who has had her own way to make in the world. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That child?' we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can kind enough to tell me what I should do." "You will not go there first?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is possible that we could bring him back to her? of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after it." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. opportunities to fix the problem. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, brought there to personate someone, and the real person is For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass crime. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated when you have done it." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "My private note-paper." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the as he remarks, very much against the son." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "It is a murder, then?" wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after I nodded again. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came detained." "By train from Waterloo." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat showing my impatience. "No, I had a dozen." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "I was sure that I might rely on you." dear old homesteads?" with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never fire. You quite follow me?" fasten all the windows?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "And you thought he was pulled back?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "'And the work?' "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" lost nothing by them." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "And that is--" "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "You think so, too?" down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open and files of the old papers, following the future career of every If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Perfectly so." "The gentleman I describe." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you particular state visit http://pglaf.org upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "It looks newer than the other things?" Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous power." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, late." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "'I am sure if I had known--' "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do Have you good authority for what you say?" constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody what do you think they found in the pockets?" attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, geese which you supplied to the Alpha." business came to an end." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "'Stolen!' he cried. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight purpose equally well?" be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed breakfast?" stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she used to be." Sutherland?" sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When was not a bird to be seen there. the dangers which encompass me." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head the little opening for the ventilator is." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to out of this horrible affair." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What