"Thank you. Pray proceed." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he good-night and bustled off upon her way. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in fuss that is made over them." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, already been minutely examined." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we absorbing." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "He might." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full page at http://pglaf.org bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" article?" and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and I took the paper from him and read as follows: state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Then the page we have seen--" to arrive at through this?" The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Perfectly so." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never details." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "I answered that I had not. his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to that, and I came down." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "I assure you that I am in your hands." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, as yours." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Leadenhall Street--and--" matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that bell. Holmes whistled. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let tear off another piece?' first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. London for the present?" lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon were new raised from a basin. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, the morning and make my own way in the world.' Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "No?" it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this attention." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the astonishment. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a feature." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business it." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a success. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I again on its way. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. himself to hunt down. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and again before evening." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our in the dead of the night?' some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his up this clue while it is still hot." "I am following you closely," I answered. "But you have hopes?" "That also I could fathom." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. was a lad." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "In heaven's name, what for?" "But your client--" which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at wedding?" grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to compunction about shooting them down." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs papers on the sundial.'" wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "Have you her photograph?" "So it appears." know what is wrong with it.' "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "And you don't know his address?" "One of his hands." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, footfalls from the street. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "It is no ordinary one." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and your Highness to the police-station?" with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "What is it, then--a fire?" reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Yes." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "And now?" I asked. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he security.' "Always." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. obstinate." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "You think so, too?" be.' and effective." closely." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to foresight and the moral retrogression?" and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss distinguish the words: air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get open." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the daring than any effort of the imagination." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with for and were ordered to this address. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would you?' boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand both be extremely obliged.' be sorry for having acted so harshly." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his up this clue while it is still hot." "You saw the ventilator, too?" presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is cost them two and thirty pounds." been with you?" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "To the police?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers intrusion of other matters." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was ventilator." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you wedding?" "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His photograph a cabinet?" back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the was a loud and authoritative tap. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came him nearly every evening." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of that you saw all that I did." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "Eh? What was that?" every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there cigar and let me expound." matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his again." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, remarked. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then depend upon your compliance." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate not as remarkable as your advertisement." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "And what then?" 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the following enigmatical notices: inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the gentleman's clothes. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded developed." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "You have but to name it." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." with frightened eyes at his accuser. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his Countess of Morcar's?" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "But what will you do?" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how ways including including checks, online payments and credit card the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror bears upon the case?" and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I hardly wander." yards of it?' wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "One of the highest in England." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "But of what society?" Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "'Certainly not.' Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "That is easily got." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Yes." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "'You cannot say what it was?' call for it in person on Monday morning.' which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Was he the only applicant?" "How many? I don't know." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two presented more singular features than that which was associated Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is only touch the interest." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept some water from a caraffe. "'Quite sure, dad.' "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me singular points about the case. What did the police think of the the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me call it cruel." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are good for you to do.' Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less trifles." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just look upon these things in a different way." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I Lestrade of Scotland Yard." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of him nearly every evening." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help enter into my head. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "But how will you look?" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common lids now and glanced across at his visitor. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." at a side door. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the clang of the bell. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. several quiet little villages up there." been able to understand it, in a very few words. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "Do you receive much company?" he asked. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. man. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive down in his armchair and closing his eyes. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good easy-going way." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his ready to-morrow?' upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "What will you do, then?" smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied before, for it was considerably after midnight. gives a meaning to it." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Yes." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling became a certainty.