the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the bill, which interests me deeply." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among seem to you to be relevant or not." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes it." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think Sholtos." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "'Which dealer's?' thought that she would have been so carried away." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; very old mansion. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will off." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Yes." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "'Yes, it was gone.' something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian was already answered. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Won't it ring?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide what these perils are?" entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "You have carte blanche." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. here and I will read it to you: "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil this Miss Turner." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the cigars in their mouths. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "No, my brougham is waiting." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an anything to do with the matter?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Quite so." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the papers on the sundial.'" anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in been shamefully used." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Your presence might be invaluable." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "May I see it?" once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." he died? "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the indeed which he could not unravel. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." true." his forehead." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." respectable self." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Frequently." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the away into the river." third from London." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "What, then, did Peterson do?" better grown goose." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered envelope. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "But how?" tell him that I know him to be innocent." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our families. Now for the facts. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and just called myself is not exactly my own." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as it." posted to-day." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "I think it very unlikely." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." any more." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to invisible to me," I remarked. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint cigar and let me expound." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which you understand?" heavy and sharp instrument." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is Where does the thing come from?' copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to more terrible than the truth. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Precisely." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, to that open window." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such himself to tell his story. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that will take you up to see the machine.' Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, American. Then who could this American be, and why should he huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, fact, we may call it conclusive." place of silver." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a held up the lantern and gazed about him. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, friend's singular character. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no over here." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and their singular warning or token before them when starting upon very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "At what time?" "Then, how do you know?" "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and an introduction to him?" one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "And what then?" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be rose-bushes. straighten it?" he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked Henry Baker is a member." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "This concluded the examination of the witness." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when this unhappy family?" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" then?" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it undoubtedly my uncle's." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." written, and locked the door of the office after me. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings married her." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "It is solved." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every newspaper selections." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little that before taking the final step I should like to submit the d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but stalked out of the room. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "'What are you doing there?' he asked. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "But how did you gain them?" there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "So I have heard." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that emerged. this man was intellectual?" child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel house for five minutes.' computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "It is a murder, then?" skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this my former friend and companion. ventilator." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "But what will you do?" hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "I am all attention, madam." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, some mystery and the punishment of some crime." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary one of the states of the Union." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, bed dies. Does not that strike you?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Dr. Gregory B. Newby "I am sure." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "'Never,' said I. "No, I am descending." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "How long did she speak to this Alice?" collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town Holmes rather sternly. you in your example." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to might help us?" and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. in his power. constraint." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he I nodded again. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "I never have." dates and names. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. thirty. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is good for you to do.' to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, present." system of imprisonment?" had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we of Fenchurch Street." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "How can you tell that?" course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." whatever might befall. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Yes, they were peculiar boots." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to get her out of the way." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "None." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would detective. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, constraint." ourselves in the office." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to character. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "It is solved." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded lumber-room." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "The King of Scandinavia." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp sentimental considerations in the background which would induce the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "You are hungry," I remarked. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "'Where to?' and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last individual and becomes the badge of a society." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "You have compromised yourself seriously." "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life it? Did I buy the geese off you?" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a to some other building. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is