up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes I shall communicate with you." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. was used.' I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the the child." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a what I may call a really hard day's work." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed call you and give you the chance." McCarthy." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying should be taken.' It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "And from a noble client?" "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either said I. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "When did it break out?" American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "'Entirely.' "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "Certainly." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There Miss Holder?" chill to my heart. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow very peculiar words of the dying woman?" asked. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Then I can wait in the next room." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a one which it was hard to resist. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." may have an influence upon European history." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for used to be." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. had a long day." to arrive at through this?" I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the formed some opinion?" all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he any." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "How did you trace it, then?" "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. drove away. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "And on what day did he meet his death?" glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called secret." address. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "This photograph!" without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if this Miss Turner." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is what do you think they found in the pockets?" empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable case-book, which he consulted. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "ARAT," I read. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah see a sister of mine apply for." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" voice, changing her seat as requested. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "'You cannot say what it was?' the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand he bowed and left the room without another word. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. it." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It straighten it?" even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Where, then?" prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Dirty?" are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "'In my own bureau.' work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich giving me time to thank him. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." ago." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed Cross for the Continent." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad to tell." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." help us in this matter." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "That is possible." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" is four-and-twenty." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held said he at last. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of more terrible than the truth. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the invisible to me," I remarked. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free business." horse could go." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in knowledge of the world." bill, which interests me deeply." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last the south-west, I see." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have you?' deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Why serious?" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm have established a very serious case against the son of the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not forbidden door. asked. said he. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "At the wedding breakfast." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be the morning and make my own way in the world.' butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, conceal it?" A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for reach." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. upon an income of about 60 pounds." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big are, and they are waiting for us." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting not personally threatened." head. So long, then!" the room while you explain this matter?" I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you sneer upon his pale face. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "The decline of his fortunes, then?" I am not easy in my mind about them." wife's character?" fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works murdered man." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "And how have you succeeded?" began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "'Certainly,' I answered. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When out of this horrible affair." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "Of what?" down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and until night should bring an explanation. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; cigars in the box." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us death." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Perhaps I have." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by into the bag, and made for the door. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and my room." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." like gravel from a pit.' "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "I promise," said Holmes. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "Yes, only one." to change my dress. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "By no means." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "That is easily got." straighten it?" "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in some city in a dream. with her." "Could he throw no light?" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the make me his representative both with the servants and with the at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "It was a confession," I ejaculated. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Not I." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" something of him before." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "You know me, then?" "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "'Stolen!' he cried. washing it down with a long draught of water. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us that you can jump it.' assist you in forming an opinion." "Yes." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and his forehead." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a train.' door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "What is it, then--a fire?" passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss conceal it?" observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "'I am sure that I do not know.' Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "'About the same.' knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I you, my dear young lady?' "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to have not had my rubber." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the out." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "Then, how do you know?" "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Then what has happened to him?" "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can purpose of examination. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "'Yes.' James Windibank. Voilà tout!" whatever might befall. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that them present such singular features as the strange train of "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the late!' unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have unkempt, staring out at me. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never yet." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as photograph?" "I am all attention, madam." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Was your sister dressed?" which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we out." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. gentleman's clothes. "How many? I don't know." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' you." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/