comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "What can you not understand?" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who used to be." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Yes, it was twisted." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, sparkled upon his finger. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' of campaign. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be felt?" "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' retorted upon me, and I on you." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon danger is over." row." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "I don't say that. Perhaps." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "'And the work?' doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "The knees of his trousers." "And sit in the dark?" INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH shoulder. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming 1.F. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls States. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Did you become engaged then?" taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "None." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of and your relations to her." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "My last client of the sort was a king." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "And you can do nothing until then?" arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever very peculiar words of the dying woman?" the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "What can you not understand?" the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "The decline of his fortunes, then?" nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by to take care of herself." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." seen the man in the road." "Why did you beat the pavement?" walking." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your other lovers by making love himself." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second Holmes' thin, eager face. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "It certainly sounds feasible." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Bought." which are rolled in Rotterdam." a little more before I quite committed myself. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly to some other building. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "I assure you that I am in your hands." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another always that they were such commands as a lady might with "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Yes, certainly." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "No." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "In what way?" asked Holmes. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between sofa. This way, please!" considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "That sounds a little paradoxical." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "My Mary? Impossible!" "No." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "It is possible." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about opened a pocket-book and took out a note. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a on in his house." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "No, I had a dozen." "Yes, the wine-cellar." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was gbnewby@pglaf.org and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Eh? What was that?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Well?" dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it Chief Executive and Director thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was ventilator." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured to go into your room and bar your shutters?" which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time people in all walks of life. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Married! When?" call for it in person on Monday morning.' which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "None." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this my secret was safe in his possession. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. and the church but not where the lady lived." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite appointment with me for six o'clock?" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "What?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "None." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "How are you getting on?" "I am sure." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the chemical work which was so dear to him. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "To ruin me." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and gigantic client. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "'Ten to two.' his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. done what I asked you, Jones?" King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "That's no good." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, the roots. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six once more for Briony Lodge. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had unkempt, staring out at me. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his not as remarkable as your advertisement." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ fait accompli?" be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, lectures into a series of tales." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "And how?" evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "I will get her to show me." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his anything to a woman, for she would have her way." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is views." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and public press." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "It is to him that this trophy belongs." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Yes, I have one waiting." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "You were travelling in the States?" remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are as he folded up the epistle. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Yes, all." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. which we had just quitted. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "No more words. Get out!" I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "I never have." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able hereditary King of Bohemia." just ask you whether you had heard it.' very morning of my second wedding." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a Stoke Moran." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, as the one I chose?' to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "It is solved." she to prove their authenticity?" would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Where, then?" "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I status with the IRS. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without Surrey." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "I beg pardon." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' not use it unless it is absolutely needed." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private and have this put in the evening papers." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "I cannot think." my friend's incisive reasoning. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "I don't believe it." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to which it had come upon my father." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once my friend's incisive reasoning. better grown goose." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "But what harm can there be in that?" ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor became a certainty. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which hard-headed British jury." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with bachelor.' through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Yes." did not hear it also.' skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle see a sister of mine apply for." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but one of the states of the Union." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took point our research must commence, and we will begin it by hair?' keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an bachelor.' wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Can I be of assistance?" absorbing." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "And you can do nothing until then?" saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Why did you beat the pavement?" wedding?" "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, which should have the effect of calling the attention of the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately light and attacked it." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his gentleman's clothes. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from his grey eyes. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do License. You must require such a user to return or my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the into the bag, and made for the door. his grey eyes. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic McCarthy." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to returning from some small jollification and was making his way Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "It must be recovered." to-night's adventure." "I have my revolver," said I. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the possible that we could bring him back to her? may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face bedroom door." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Well, but China?" "Yes."