then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in to talk it over. "'Most admirably.' society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which for securing the situation." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George public press." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, people in all walks of life. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all Holmes." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham exactly what you advise." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors that threaten you." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "'In my own bureau.' and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close is four-and-twenty." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "I think it very unlikely." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs appointment with me for six o'clock?" sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He remarked. season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing matters immensely." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to miles off. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back where Mr. Fordham shows you.' wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Never." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the this truth that in these little records of our cases which you fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" This is what he says: such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see go from here to the Strand." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his suddenly upon us." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more south, for the country is more deserted there." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us something of him before." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and made him keep the appointment." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has open." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in already been minutely examined." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "My dear Holmes!" "I am armed." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would never will be, entirely cleared up. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to one of them." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double again." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of not within a twentieth part of the market price." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just without a word or a look. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my Surrey." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I official police." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a noise which awoke you from your sleep?" upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Ample." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert there is a decided draught." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "How are you getting on?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the footfalls from the street. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If clanging. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead you." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "'How far from the body?' "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote is acting for the best. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most fact, we may call it conclusive." depend upon your compliance." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he call the police, let the police find what they can.' see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Certainly." maiden herself was most instructive." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in acted in my house last night?" occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in ventilator." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "Very much so." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Will you bet, then?" its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no fear." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "On your arm?" would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could beg that you will break it off." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My the stable lane now." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "None. Neville wrote those words." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight me what he had done with the three missing stones. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. was a perfect sample of the class. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure disappearance of these gems?" in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for legal crime." "There is the writing." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "I have hopes." too. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "I have a cab outside." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure Does that suggest anything?" though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "'What then?' I asked. could gather together that I was able to avert another public about here speaks of his kindness to him." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "The doctor?" sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut certainly do as you advise." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Yes?" sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "I cannot imagine." ventilator." the child." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is cigars in the box." 1.F. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait begin with, and I had not got mine yet." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am what do you think they found in the pockets?" staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, some terrible trap for her." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "She showed me, as I told you she would." corner of the building. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did over his head with a sweet womanly caress. heavy and sharp instrument." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are Cross for the Continent." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. even of instruction." not as remarkable as your advertisement." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like Surrey." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in writer." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "How many? I don't know." with the outside air!" 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Certainly." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "That is it on the dressing-table." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, one which it was hard to resist. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Precisely." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "The doctor?" This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his strong and stiff." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were with the outside air!" "Dirty?" journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean the roots. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am families. Now for the facts. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Just look it up, then." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not and effective." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I business in the City. She little knew what. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "And how in the world did you find them?" of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and hurried away. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "'You doubt its value?' he asked. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you me. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen what these perils are?" Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which page at http://pglaf.org what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent such attractions and accomplishments?' and no precautions can guard against." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Breckinridge is his name." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from not personally threatened." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still the date of his supposed suicide." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not just ask you whether you had heard it.' receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted spark where all is dark to me." hair?' the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "It is very clear." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want goes." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself infinite languor in his face. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. The summons was a brief and urgent one. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "But his lameness?" once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, that he will be back before evening." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned,