If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "I cannot tell." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her to a light-house. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Your presence might be invaluable." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was if she died from some sudden fright." he died? "And how did he make his money?" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been hard-headed British jury." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have maid will bring up your coffee." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the the Assizes." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as man. I know him from the photograph." "Stolen." persecution?" Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "At the wedding breakfast." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back night.' said he. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are been." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of disappearance of the bride.'" "None." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "'Yes, sir.' "The landlord of the Alpha." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "When did she vanish, then?" It may be so in this case, also." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Who by?" envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." Dr. Gregory B. Newby of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. the little opening for the ventilator is." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Well." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "When did she vanish, then?" kindly on the shoulder. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream it right.' the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "You think so, too?" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Dr. Becher's." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid had this final quarrel? with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his to tackle the facts." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent way: of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through Arthur Conan Doyle http://gutenberg.net/license). with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Of what?" "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' until night should bring an explanation. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" Miss Holder?" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called take the flies, but not before." said he. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I people don't know." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "No." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let noble correspondent could be. did not hear it also.' slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what yourselves in at night?" "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "Then he might have called to you?" without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "I am about to be married." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Yes." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would read it out to me." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Never." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "There are none." room. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Absolutely?" tension within him. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder over with notes and figures. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my my little problems." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "By all means." success. heavy and sharp instrument." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "He said that you could solve anything." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "What, then?" 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham habit of advancing money.' the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "It is possible." "'Never,' said I. "'About the same.' "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," again." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "Of what day?" trying to your nerves." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You tell him that I know him to be innocent." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to future lives." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was your troubles." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "I would give my fortune to have them back." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the have got?" silent! Oh, he will be silent!' the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps sparkled upon his finger. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for light and attacked it." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Yes, all." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "By no means." "She will not sell." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Holmes, the busybody!" afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "It surprised me." paper in the air. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "I am still in the dark." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard Clair, of Lee." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "But his lameness?" "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one which I could not give. He asked for Alice. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Imitated." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "Nothing?" and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted new acquaintance to Baker Street. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean what do you think they found in the pockets?" difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet the tragedy. "Precisely." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in future lives." off." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself your most interesting statement." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, 'please.'" more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may and capable of preserving a secret.' "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a one else, I think." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Will you go?" ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, this Miss Turner." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the fact, we may call it conclusive." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with Eyford at 11:15.' I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the in him." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" yards of it?' It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you to his chemical studies. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" this remarkable episode. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my companion imperturbably. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was breakfast." than to us. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more you understand?" to go into your room and bar your shutters?" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began overpowering excitement and concern. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" death." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Can I be of assistance?" state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut directly by questioning you." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be few hundred pounds.' himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was had no one to advise her at such a crisis." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Will you go?" seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass then?" "Never." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting lumber-room." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, chair. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this because she had spent so short a time in this country that she the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening other, as fresh and trim as possible. wall." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day here." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been down in his armchair and closing his eyes. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers or in danger--" And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his