"Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem opened the door, and slipped through. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "There are none." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "How did that help you?" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you sentimental considerations in the background which would induce gentleman's clothes. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "I assure you that I am in your hands." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Won't it ring?" still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, Holmes rather sternly. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "My photograph." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle I nodded to show that I had heard. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think chill to my heart. child?' forehead. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight the dangers which encompass me." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman You can understand that this register and diary may implicate make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a cigars in the box." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a the driver. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "Absolutely?" and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. digesting their breakfasts at home." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is hurried by. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are carpenter." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "I fear not." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to think you a quite exceptional woman." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "But we can't all be." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very good for you to do.' without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "'Which dealer's?' wanted for ourselves." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Pray continue your narrative." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "'You doubt its value?' he asked. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Certainly, madam." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Deserted you?" chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass room had already been engaged for us. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah has little to do with my story." the house with me." fluttered off among the others. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "But how did you gain them?" lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "I beg pardon." were wasted." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the experiences." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Not social, then?" 1.E.9. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll to a more successful conclusion." on in his house." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, the so-precious time, but come!' matter." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the better in every way that they should make their position a little was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "But you have hopes?" lamp. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and as he folded up the epistle. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "And sit in the dark?" "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course II. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man your co-operation." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "This photograph!" advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, mystery may be cleared along those lines." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have to-night?" I asked. "And on what day did he meet his death?" "I was afraid that you were engaged." very old mansion. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our arrangements." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "Precisely." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "What will you do, then?" fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, garden below. "That also I could fathom." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Never." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "What then?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Certainly." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can himself. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Not particularly." back to my heart. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the orange pips. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "You know me, then?" and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "A confidential servant?" door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to photograph?" "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind laugh and put his lips to my ear. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Thank you. Pray proceed." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "And your father? Did you tell him?" earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. come either from the window or the door. My attention was persecution?" wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "And your mother is alive?" the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which have not had my rubber." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some room?" suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "'Yes.' "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Well, but China?" Holmes rather sternly. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "To an English lawyer named Norton." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "Breckinridge is his name." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are little trying to do so much typewriting?" crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began License. You must require such a user to return or "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "I cannot think." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One Stoke Moran." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Yes, I have one waiting." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern a very grave face. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of fait accompli?" whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "Entirely." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "But how?" copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have read over the extraordinary announcement. fled together." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage maid will bring up your coffee." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening paper in the air. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "I am to be neutral?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Not yet." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, frequently gained my first real insight into the character of have an American origin." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line the matter." "'A dozen yards or so.' wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Imitated." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "And why?" be there in time for your coming." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, are, I think, all that we need." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases least a most suspicious remark." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Whose house is it?" "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I depend upon your compliance." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm orange pips. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your examine." his knees, staring into the fire. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy are, and they are waiting for us." man. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Nothing." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's round and wave him away like that.' evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled to his chemical studies. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "No, I think that I'll take it." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "I cannot as yet see any connection." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round you, my dear young lady?' necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without 1.E.9. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress letters?" "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's happened." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect them?" his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "By no means." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "But we can't all be." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will and the church but not where the lady lived." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I is acting for the best. I was concerned in it." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "But what is it you wish?" waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you developed." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice was already answered. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now telegram would bring me down to your help." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so