It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a without success. At last the little money which I had saved began shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "To an English lawyer named Norton." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "Stolen." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned Serpentine Avenue. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton country, and eventually married, without anyone having a knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled crime. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. you understand?" was keenly on my guard against him. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the absorbing." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and most interesting one." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the cause to be." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not as he folded up the epistle. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: know that the truth is known." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were You want to know what became of those geese?" matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Then I can wait in the next room." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, woven round him. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did them?" never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a these bleak autumnal evenings." this as likely?" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Precisely." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Have you it here?" laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had habit of advancing money.' recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained as he remarks, very much against the son." an introduction to him?" "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." discontent upon his features. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "I should be immensely obliged to you." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he Stoke Moran." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where generous with you in money matters.' or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "None." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. certainly not very gracious." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the problems help me to do so." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite approach us with offers to donate. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the directors have had misgivings upon the subject." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and learned something! Where are the gems?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were Countess of Morcar's?" "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Holmes. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Yes." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United never came back." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the be best to do. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those You can understand that this register and diary may implicate snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "And your father? Did you tell him?" stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent should be so warm over such a trifle." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." footfalls from the street. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "None." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old crackling voice. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "How do you know, then?" possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this roused himself from his reverie. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "'You doubt its value?' he asked. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. business." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while habit of advancing money.' "Game for a morning drive?" springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian again." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled individual and becomes the badge of a society." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Then I shall certainly come." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left and your relations to her." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "I will, Miss Turner." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold she used." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in unkempt, staring out at me. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not felt?" Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain said he at last. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his business in the City. She little knew what. that?' outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Could he throw no light?" chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. States. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch asked with his eyes open. during which he might have communicated with his friend the things are very often connected not with the larger but with the customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I never to learn it at all." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There cause to be." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Do you know him?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "And I." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was strong and stiff." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "Pray be precise as to details," said he. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the the roots. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a me where it went to?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "You have but to name it." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their papers diligently of late, have you not?" prisoner's face. respectable self." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. national property. I was determined that the law should have its persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Why, what do you mean?" which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand may have an influence upon European history." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a taking in every detail of the apartment. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "No." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would DAMAGE. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From said he at last. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the breakfast?" her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be meant it for the best. "On your arm?" "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with you in yours." "What are they?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "Yes." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it vague figure huddled up in the darkness. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their the coronet in his hand?" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Were they all fastened this morning?" there in twenty minutes." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, business at Coburg Square is serious." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "I cannot imagine." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall his face which made him a very different person to the round, upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they During two years I have had three consultations and one small fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "And who is her maid?" "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking at my own good fortune. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "But your client--" That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a crime. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain more terrible than the truth. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "10th. John Swain cleared. ceremony." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the questioning and rather startled gaze. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover flock.' fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. directors, with the result that you have seen." past. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an man. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Now, then, what's the last entry?" it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "You will not go there first?" "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the asked. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was to some other building. is worth.' means taking possession of that which another person has a prior time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Yes." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it placed his cuttings. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily chance at all." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "The vanishing of the lady." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. invisible to me," I remarked. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "I am all attention, madam." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Will you go?" matter." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Very. But will he see it?" compunction about shooting them down." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent himself in a perplexing position. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the begun to whiten, even as mine has." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just perplexity from it to my illustrious client. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across