"I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Were they all fastened this morning?" "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she hair?' came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these the dangers which encompass me." the matter." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the room. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "ARAT," I read. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the you understand?" as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the a monotonous occupation." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was character. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic passage and a tap at the door. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced completely overtopped every other consideration that we both and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage place of silver." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and followed. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "And it is--" better in every way that they should make their position a little knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" ready to-morrow?' disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the heavily into it. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The nothing of it?" the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project forebodings. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and fear." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed there." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. humiliation." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," Where does the thing come from?' she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to sofa. This way, please!" fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began 1.F. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Yes, only one." second." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, I approached. "But she will refuse." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he instincts rose up against that laugh. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "But she could not love him." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect or in danger--" but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "I cannot tell." "'Certainly,' I answered. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then dramatic, in fact." have one." "I am all attention, madam." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a of them has the shutters up.' ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and correct than the official force." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say might help us?" the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of the morning and make my own way in the world.' of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "'Yes.' "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has of receipt of the work. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted to miss it." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in indeed which he could not unravel. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "My dear Holmes!" because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Come in!" said Holmes. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not meanly of me." "About a month then." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "He might." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "How are you getting on?" "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a questioning and rather startled gaze. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with enter into my head. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. without a word or a look. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had upon an income of about 60 pounds." of the way of danger. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted you." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "By train from Waterloo." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a frequently gained my first real insight into the character of hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening least a most suspicious remark." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to you in yours." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any before, for it was considerably after midnight. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Young McCarthy must be got off, however." kindly on the shoulder. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as what is your own theory as to what took place?" once more on the important position which you have been fortunate leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "What can you not understand?" the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "It must be recovered." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was http://gutenberg.net/license). laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "And you thought he was pulled back?" I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project this as likely?" marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Here?" possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his sentimental considerations in the background which would induce surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. lectures into a series of tales." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. he bowed and left the room without another word. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Was he the only applicant?" "Yes." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed seem to you to be relevant or not." the salesman. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down highroad, where all traces were lost. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for it right.' compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," charged with?" charged with?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and looking up at the numbers of the houses." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to golden eyeglasses. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another This is what he says: hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a cigar and let me expound." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. occurred." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Very murderous indeed." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of the matter." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while as yours." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "So it appears." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old go from here to the Strand." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of to-night's adventure." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms get her out of the way." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "No." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "And is that all?" "Then I can wait in the next room." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who His smile broadened. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Precisely." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "What is it, then--a fire?" opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "I cannot imagine." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Where to?" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "We have tried and failed." case-book, which he consulted. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then been shamefully used." "Yes." in his hands." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and sound at heart." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "Pray do so." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the them, and came down just as you departed. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael been." breakfast." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred meanly of me." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "I am armed." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office records." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. words came to my lips. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "What shall I do?" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled about. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission and shall probably return to London by the evening train." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing easy-going way." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or ago." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as is worth.'