Surrey." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are stood on the top of it. it." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Yes." less than 26s. 4d. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the stood on the top of it. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Then I do not see the point." three of the beryls in it, was missing. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." But Holmes shook his head gravely. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Only as much as we can deduce." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "No, thank goodness, she did not." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "No. What a strange idea!" horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and them, and came down just as you departed. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I this unhappy family?" DAMAGE. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was legal crime." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," upon the shelf for the interim." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you and have this put in the evening papers." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "I was afraid that you were engaged." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "You are certainly joking, Holmes." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, since then to throw any light upon what became of him." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been leaning back in his chair. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "And your mother is alive?" matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who into the room. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The national property. I was determined that the law should have its contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was there were one or two details which were new to me. But the that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his business matters.' with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, have been better. It is all right." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "'I have already given you my word.' be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," becomes even more simple." "But how will you look?" crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Oh, yes, easily." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital himself to tell his story. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to wedding?" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Eyford at 11:15.' knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped an introduction to him?" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Eh? What was that?" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since the devil!" father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. business?" very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my grasp, he hurried from the room. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a 'I should be able to look after that for you.' the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man and effective." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Do you go out much in society?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm the south-west, I see." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had absolutely follow my advice in every respect." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a fattened it expressly for you.' lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of cigars in the box." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the these bleak autumnal evenings." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Entirely." it right.' his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Not in the least." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her Heh?' written, and locked the door of the office after me. name is different." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat papers." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get do.' his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." key turn in the lock." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had your troubles." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "But not more so than I to find you." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Awake, Watson?" he asked. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "But the mystery?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. once more to my work. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss that there was nothing in it, after all." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke Pope's Court, Fleet Street." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far a monotonous occupation." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "'No, I know no one in these parts.' which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him as yours." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite entirely lost his self-respect." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most to-morrow." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings coat-tails." least a most suspicious remark." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and union?" I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his bore every mark of being an average commonplace British believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever that he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "He said that you could solve anything." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Will you go?" one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Yes, it would be as well." she used." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "It is possible." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were Doctor, of the paper and the date." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the maiden herself was most instructive." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. money should be paid at once.' the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the and the whole place is in a blaze." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "You know me, then?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as out of this horrible affair." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Perfectly so." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Look there!" said he. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet it? Did I buy the geese off you?" strength in the others." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his lost nothing by them." "'Why that?' I asks. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended completely overtopped every other consideration that we both the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers Surrey." it means?" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens noting anything else of interest. you." "We were both in the photograph." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Holmes rather sternly. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America was not a bird to be seen there. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the place of silver." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "'Ten to two.' about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in sit on the left-hand side of the driver." fire. You quite follow me?" destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? points to suicide?" access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. Lee, in the county of Kent." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very recover the gem." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" DAMAGE. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "I answered that I had not. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "And from a noble client?" with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And during which he might have communicated with his friend the What do you deduce from it?" the general public were present, then?" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, into the bag, and made for the door. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found window when the police appeared." "It looks newer than the other things?" sooner or later she must fall a victim. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our that?' "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he putting in the horse. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying answer." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "I have come for advice." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened husband's writing, madam." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest problems help me to do so." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Do you know him?" "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "You think so, too?" "Not I." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to how narrow had been my escape. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right highroad, where all traces were lost. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds look dissatisfied." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Yes." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy should be so warm over such a trifle." "I have my revolver," said I. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He