matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" it." "Tired-looking or fresh?" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the appeared upon the scene." congratulate you again." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "And how in the world did you find them?" I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and the running down." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but imbecility!" he cried. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "You think so, too?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." chance." been able to understand it, in a very few words. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "My private note-paper." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. were unconscious?" "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the views." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "The rest you will leave in our hands." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, redistribution. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The later, upon the night of May 2nd." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "One horse?" interjected Holmes. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has with you?" winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling forbidden door. "In heaven's name, what for?" thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "I am to be neutral?" room. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my see a sister of mine apply for." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a the general public were present, then?" incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that chemical work which was so dear to him. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about then?" his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his gentleman's clothes. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. she used." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity call the police, let the police find what they can.' villagers almost as much as their master. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and see a sister of mine apply for." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His chamber." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind little trying to do so much typewriting?" which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it to me. "Well, it is a possible supposition." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must them present such singular features as the strange train of slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard notes," he said. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Bought." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "By train from Waterloo." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "'How far from the body?' Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where something of him before." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and and put his glass in his pocket. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible tied." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards until night should bring an explanation. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and conclusions. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "To ruin me." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "How can you tell that?" Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just the general public were present, then?" tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Not I." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "I was afraid that you were engaged." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "At what time?" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "But to whom?" quickly through a disagreeable task. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "No." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then some water from a caraffe. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you papers on the sundial.'" his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "'There is a drive, then?' thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Yes." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in them present such singular features as the strange train of "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "I cannot say that I have." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "And how did you find out?" him nearly every evening." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. conceal it?" impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a a good hundred miles off by now." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Dark enough and sinister enough." "Witness: It was. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards recover the gem." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as relief. ceremony." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "'Never,' said I. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the which are rolled in Rotterdam." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn there when the Rucastles went away." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the was keenly on my guard against him. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out new acquaintance to Baker Street. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Then how many are there?" branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Edgeware Road. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" the south-west, I see." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "We must sit without light. He would see it through the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that speckled band?" "'As governess?' "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "No good news?" relief. his face which made him a very different person to the round, sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that narrative." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." ready to-morrow?' "Breckinridge is his name." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "What is it?" fashion which was peculiar to him. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't upon a handsome competence. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the said he. in my life." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his call you and give you the chance." "'What, the red-headed man?' The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a address. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Can I be of assistance?" however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As with her." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' cigars in their mouths. maiden herself was most instructive." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from prisoner's face. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "If I can be of use." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Yes." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "But the mystery?" in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country I have it here in my museum." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Was your sister dressed?" in one or two places in England?' the salesman. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of placed his cuttings. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy without success. At last the little money which I had saved began been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit This is what he says: door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, one else, I think." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "I have my revolver," said I. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a a room. "I should like to see him very much." a room. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his the south-west, I see." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she and I shall be with you presently." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while nice household for a young lady." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless