wedding?" Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "And your father? Did you tell him?" the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours Watson," he said cordially. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. present." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is a room. she to prove their authenticity?" King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the mysterious end." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "I will try. What is it?" jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of call for it in person on Monday morning.' Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "You think so, too?" look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob foot. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "She will not sell." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "So I have heard." "I assure you that I am in your hands." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded thin legs towards the fire. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "At the wedding breakfast." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of and the whole place is in a blaze." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "My private note-paper." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "What I expected to see." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a never to learn it at all." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "The doctor?" "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "It is true that I have been generally successful." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "You have compromised yourself seriously." is acting for the best. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Then, as to money?" we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I the coronet in his hands?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "What, then, did Peterson do?" himself in a perplexing position. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in hair?' with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, even of instruction." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "An enemy?" "There are none." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect have been better. It is all right." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "And Irene Adler?" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in to-night." eat it." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Not in a good cause." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he which should have the effect of calling the attention of the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." cause to be." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Nor running a chance of arrest?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. conduct the inquiry." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "It certainly sounds feasible." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended Lee, in the county of Kent." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I to-night?' could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an think that he is innocent?" back alive. security.' villagers almost as much as their master. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a province." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "That sounds a little paradoxical." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of highroad, where all traces were lost. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." of campaign. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature plantation.' dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were the coronet in his hand?" tension within him. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "No?" to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. weighed down with some great anxiety. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should some mystery and the punishment of some crime." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull hair?' writing, and yet I know it well." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. papers diligently of late, have you not?" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "Did you become engaged then?" entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover third from London." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "That is it on the dressing-table." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up astonishment. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce conduct the inquiry." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the yourselves in at night?" "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened his wife has ceased to love him." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "And why in hopes?" "Could he throw no light?" "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us of note-paper. It read in this fashion: money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with Sholtos." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here I took the paper from him and read as follows: house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was asked. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our with you?" admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers was feeling which was the fattest.' said he. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. you in your example." "And your mother is alive?" the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing stammered. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've assist you in forming an opinion." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and just ask you whether you had heard it.' making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while the address that was given us in the advertisement. III. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the friend's singular character. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "On your arm?" Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and coat-tails." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. remarked. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you showing my impatience. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Of what day?" might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me weigh very heavily upon my conscience." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were you want, then?' been shamefully used." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "Dr. Becher's." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard better grown goose." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and see me here to avoid scandal." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, papers diligently of late, have you not?" washing it down with a long draught of water. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of he died? II. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, any little problem which you may submit to me." "In the cells." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Well?" he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had the child." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always charged with?" brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "No, I think that I'll take it." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm me. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "No more words. Get out!" buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? seven miles from Eyford Station.' flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." following enigmatical notices: be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was the stones. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What the little opening for the ventilator is." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an entirely lost his self-respect." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do unprecedented a position." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in depend upon my doing so.' must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "What will you do, then?" memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the directors have had misgivings upon the subject." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all young Openshaw's." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "'Oh, no.' jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat to-night's adventure." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at prison!" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope Lee, in the county of Kent." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Always." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Yes, at the mines." waste of energy." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "'Oh, no.' About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was think you a quite exceptional woman." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "It is possible." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "How did that help you?" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the to surprise her." bedroom door." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Precisely." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the you, my dear young lady?' matter." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "I answered that I had not. walking." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of used to be." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your will find little credit to be gained out of this case." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, examination of the premises, but without finding anything which have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened prison!" We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid I approached. "None." redistribution. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office,