"You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for peculiar to him. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project lamp in his hand. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the developed." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." shall use the carriage to-night." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the spark where all is dark to me." over with notes and figures. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Holmes, the busybody!" annoyance, but no jest. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "And how?" know that the truth is known." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon do." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his events than those which have happened in my own family." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "No, I think that I'll take it." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Did you become engaged then?" "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "He said too much." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. detained." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family never to learn it at all." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob already been minutely examined." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "You have compromised yourself seriously." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Texas, I think." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his were new raised from a basin. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "I have a cab outside." III. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow have had none more fantastic than this." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of you." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily cigars in their mouths. look dissatisfied." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that ashen face. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out down in his armchair and closing his eyes. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to foresight and the moral retrogression?" visitors." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy tail." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying to me. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Your presence might be invaluable." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste to take care of herself." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, behind me. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer which are rolled in Rotterdam." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "But who is he?" "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then fat-encircled eyes. or other trace. But how on earth--" to-night?' when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by His smile broadened. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at works. See paragraph 1.E below. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has photograph?" far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." one of them." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have was a loud and authoritative tap. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "But I am all in the dark." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged in a very precise fashion." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, stammered. "Proceed, then." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. this man was intellectual?" "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency Leave Paddington by the 11:15." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' enter Dr. Roylott's room." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported whole matter to your consideration." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand fattened it expressly for you.' "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. annoyance, but no jest. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "And why?" to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce the dangers which encompass me." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white ready to-morrow?' father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that frequently gained my first real insight into the character of during that time.' known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to head. So long, then!" "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed fait accompli?" and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens tell me that you intended to go into harness." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "They are typewritten," I remarked. foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your most important business. It is probable that he will be away all the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "'What are you doing there?' he asked. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my The King stared at him in amazement. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, she might be summoned. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some from you?" learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Can I be of assistance?" I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, think you a quite exceptional woman." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own gigantic client. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that not, dad?" she asked. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Dark enough and sinister enough." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "What have you done?" asked Holmes. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to chance at all." orange pips. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from should be taken.' "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such the morning and make my own way in the world.' springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to within hail.' came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their This is what he says: looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Yes, it was twisted." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little my little problems." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "'It is locked up,' I answered. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is passage and a tap at the door. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "'Ten to two.' his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do get her out of the way." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" bled considerably." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "But I am all in the dark." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "'I am sure if I had known--' 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "'Tell me all about it,' said I. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "I promise," said Holmes. answer." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many His name is Francis Prosper." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but visitors." the Assizes." business?" believe that I should never have any practice at all. be best to do. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" Sutherland. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a my little problems." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You in. "My own seal." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "And the murderer?" "You know me, then?" liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Yes, but only for you and me." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither himself. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet other, as fresh and trim as possible. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the any." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" you, my dear young lady?' will take you up to see the machine.' of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back flock.' Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a observed. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a of Fenchurch Street." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only mysterious business." did not hear it also.' also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they it. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew was a lad." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in tightly behind him. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine had a long day." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked that the gas is not laid on in his house?" hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that round with crates and massive boxes. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "And now?" I asked. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll him, that man would not have given me such complete information that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then children over to America with him, so that I found myself without way in." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to all?" that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the excitement. "What can you not understand?" "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Murdered?" "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." to arrive at through this?" and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up were new raised from a basin. with frightened eyes at his accuser. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "An enemy?" Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless It may be so in this case, also." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Pray do so." "No, I am descending." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "On your arm?" the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are him. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "It missed him, then?" "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in was a perfect sample of the class. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding most interesting one." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But one's self under obligations.' swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of redistribution. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into shaken than I had ever seen him. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "It is solved." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it how narrow had been my escape.