brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "If I can be of use." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "'Yes, sir.' came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with all?" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always is acting for the best. about here speaks of his kindness to him." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "And now?" He raised his hand. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "It is to him that this trophy belongs." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes this truth that in these little records of our cases which you had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had through." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "I don't say that. Perhaps." "To the police?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, room. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "When did it break out?" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in his wife has ceased to love him." "Look there!" said he. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his society." you, my dear young lady?' sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close little adventures." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. back to my heart. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself to you." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Witness: It was. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest advice." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "Then what has happened to him?" "Why did you beat the pavement?" hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already would apply.' was a loud and authoritative tap. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." here and I will read it to you: had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional key turn in the lock." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "Where, indeed?" It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "But she will refuse." of Mr. Rucastle's." awaited us upon the table. green of the new foliage. the coronet in his hand?" other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "And now?" He raised his hand. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband against a man in the prime of life?" "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about business." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. comes from the middle window." "'It is locked up,' I answered. "And you thought he was pulled back?" peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "I don't say that. Perhaps." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism hereditary King of Bohemia." third from London." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the have had none more fantastic than this." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel new duties?' "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "'Oh, no.' last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "In heaven's name, what for?" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to upon the shelf for the interim." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts bird of prey. "What is it?" clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he to take care of herself." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less your only hope of safety." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in tear off another piece?' and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so writer." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his the ceiling. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "'Certainly,' I answered. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was electronic works Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss Watson," he said cordially. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to Henry Baker is a member." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a During two years I have had three consultations and one small the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like and capable of preserving a secret.' the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. records." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend and shall probably return to London by the evening train." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in where she found matters as described by the last witness. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress mysterious end." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of way in." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made prison!" his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power a little more before I quite committed myself. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, likely to be some crony of the landlady's." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Yes, that is the Crown." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "I cannot as yet see any connection." was used.' years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so arms and began to sob in a high treble key. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his signal between you and your father? so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I is a common subject for conversation. the very morning of the wedding." place of silver." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with all-comprehensive glances. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and narrative." enter into my head. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" of a light. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. a suggestive one." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Oh, fresh and glossy." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is the running down." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out said he at last. next day. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "If so, much may have happened between." "I am in hopes that she does." "You were travelling in the States?" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment you?" "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I note?" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. matters immensely." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Never." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light way in." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Then, as to money?" "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "By train from Waterloo." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more arms and began to sob in a high treble key. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "And Miss Sutherland?" "Stolen, then." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. entirely devoid of interest." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "Oh, fresh and glossy." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Where did you address your letters, then?" "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first to me. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the I was concerned in it." posted to-day." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "To an end?" It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "10th. John Swain cleared. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle and it need not interfere very much with one's other I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year knowledge of the world." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "No. His orders were to stay in the house." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "There are none." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some yet." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; out of this horrible affair." questionable one." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to this man was intellectual?" temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of said I. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of John Swain, of St. Augustine. placed his cuttings. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day observed. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "I cannot say that I have." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "You have it, sir, just as it happened." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "When did she vanish, then?" frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which think you a quite exceptional woman." "She will not sell." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and will he say when he returns?" people don't know." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "At the wedding breakfast." placed his cuttings. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his weighed down with some great anxiety. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Perhaps we may make them less so." gives a meaning to it." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but again on its way. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "'I am sure if I had known--' there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "An accident, I presume?" Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love directly by questioning you." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': bed dies. Does not that strike you?" did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we without a word or a look. possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would his cane at the bell-pull. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs I shall continue with my miserable story. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings have not had my rubber." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was breakfast?" recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an unprofitable." "And when will you call?" "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I