Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax problems help me to do so." papers must be those that are destroyed.' hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was look dissatisfied." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." there was no need for father to know." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "'Very good.' "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "It was a confession," I ejaculated. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Edgeware Road. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my jewels which you have stolen?' course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every there is a decided draught." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the 'I should be able to look after that for you.' electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and or in danger--" one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his whole matter to your consideration." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the the bed, and you in that chair." "I am all attention, madam." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the joking. head. So long, then!" before the coroner and the police-court." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of row." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Eh? What was that?" upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to strange features which were associated with the two crimes which was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." was a lad." hand, madam?" be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Her father is very rich?" she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "I was sure that I might rely on you." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "And Irene Adler?" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself indeed which he could not unravel. window when the police appeared." definite end. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence strode off upon his way. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a light and attacked it." annoyance, but no jest. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her stalked out of the room. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be and the whole place is in a blaze." waste of energy." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite shoulder. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able instincts rose up against that laugh. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I your most interesting statement." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "How on earth--" to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of he died? up this clue while it is still hot." "It is true that I have been generally successful." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation some terrible trap for her." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. hereditary King of Bohemia." some water from a caraffe. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "The knees of his trousers." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her following enigmatical notices: Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" constraint." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, himself to tell his story. "And now?" He raised his hand. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his served to weaken the effect. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It chance." "'Most admirably.' common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "I shall most certainly do so." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in It may be so in this case, also." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "If I can be of use." "Well, but China?" subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the to a more successful conclusion." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside Edgeware Road. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always and prosperity to your house. Good-night." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Her father is very rich?" which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or was once confined in the cab my mission was practically Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. Arthur Conan Doyle not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, Holmes. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There Clair, of Lee." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Just look it up, then." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" the window, rose as we entered. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of man. I know him from the photograph." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and some city in a dream. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Where, then?" "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Very murderous indeed." least a most suspicious remark." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Well, some hundreds of times." it means?" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he business matters.' without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such congratulate you again." these bleak autumnal evenings." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up the little opening for the ventilator is." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Could he throw no light?" necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer felt the room to be a little close.' "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and ill-usage at the hands of fortune. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I photograph a cabinet?" Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "I will do it." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent business." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, went to the Alpha were town bred." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "How did he come?" which I could not give. He asked for Alice. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Stolen, then." it. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." the window, rose as we entered. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "When did she vanish, then?" "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study Surrey." jewels which you have stolen?' "Tired-looking or fresh?" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the highroad, where all traces were lost. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, Leadenhall Street--and--" a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever October 9, 1890. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Yes." never came back." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "That sounds a little paradoxical." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my best detective that ever lived. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a the matter." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "What, then?" Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. were unconscious?" Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked very peculiar words of the dying woman?" his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "Yes." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "No, but the enclosure is." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "What!" he roared. shaken than I had ever seen him. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save business in the City. She little knew what. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. had picked up in the wood. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "I beg pardon." my secret was safe in his possession. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." drove away. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had train from Paddington which would bring you there at about I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too so far?" I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "What! You do not mean bodies?" and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and not fit the lock." bedroom door." someone who had been in Australia." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "To an end?" But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Of what day?" time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. happened." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by interests were the same as his." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' once more for Briony Lodge. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My drove away. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly and prosperity to your house. Good-night." you." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of there is a decided draught." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Where did you address your letters, then?" returned to France?" your equipment. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of London for the present?" bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "What I expected to see." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was Countess of Morcar's?" the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." and wait." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled opened a pocket-book and took out a note. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and someone who had been in Australia." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "It must be recovered." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in I nodded again. "Well, some hundreds of times." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him words came to my lips. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one paper in the air. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I bell. Holmes whistled. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Yes." his knees, staring into the fire. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "'About the same.' "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "He said that you could solve anything." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my you." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I straightened it out again. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would