"So I am. Very much so." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was cost them two and thirty pounds." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "You will not go there first?" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of dramatic, in fact." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of burst into a hearty fit of laughter. you came in." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and the armchair which I pushed forward for him. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, I approached. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "At the wedding breakfast." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem to that open window." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "You think that he is dead?" be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "And for present expenses?" photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "'Very good.' size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "And the murderer?" undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "But you were on a friendly footing?" governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him gone before you can get him to hospital." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a you?" league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your away into the river." "But how did you gain them?" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by felt the room to be a little close.' morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. golden eyeglasses. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk she used." "But it has twice been burgled." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, shoulder. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going his fortune, and I went back to pa. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly The note was undated, and without either signature or address. companion. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "'Yes, sir.' footfalls from the street. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "And that is--" Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, reach." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself only touch the interest." sake, don't!" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the something of him before." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his them?" "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "Yes." lectures into a series of tales." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. approach us with offers to donate. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded you?" upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found British peeress.'" before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of will find little credit to be gained out of this case." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora During two years I have had three consultations and one small advice." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather Cross for the Continent." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Well?" you." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the arrangements." "We have tried and failed." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon society." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an read over the extraordinary announcement. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." see a sister of mine apply for." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while 1.E.9. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social awkward doing business with an alias." "'Where could I find him?' him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, acted in my house last night?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "'Most admirably.' hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped shall not find me ungrateful." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love I approached. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" made him keep the appointment." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the me. You must get home instantly and act." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "And how?" "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. as he folded up the epistle. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the with the outside air!" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down This is what he says: right! Sit down and let us talk it over." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months garden below. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little I nodded again. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters nonsense.' to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as chance." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the his wife has ceased to love him." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "You were travelling in the States?" massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see business at Coburg Square is serious." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's the general public were present, then?" journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the already been minutely examined." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Which are?" of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man question," said Holmes, smiling. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been that I may have something better before very many minutes are for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "I will get her to show me." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "What do you make of that, Watson?" days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never secret." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "'Ample.' had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low take the flies, but not before." may have an influence upon European history." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. have accepted such a situation. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Look there!" said he. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." bled considerably." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are go--none." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Who by?" grasp, he hurried from the room. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered gentleman's clothes. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate opportunities to fix the problem. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with swore that no one else had been in the front room during the you came in." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Will you bet, then?" lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property ashen face. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "In which, sir?" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "But who is he?" very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King Pope's Court, Fleet Street." I was concerned in it." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I which it had come upon my father." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Tired-looking or fresh?" breakfast?" "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" gone before you can get him to hospital." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I sneer upon his pale face. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be fish-monger and a tide-waiter." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into me, and I could not think that his explanation of the have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and have got?" "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Why, what do you mean?" "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen be best to do. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover tail." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "Now, then, what's the last entry?" own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." fattened it expressly for you.' truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without presented more singular features than that which was associated there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. business." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a pressing in one house as in another. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." Surrey." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort him nearly every evening." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Whose house is it?" "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "I shall be delighted." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I entirely lost his self-respect." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "One of his hands." "My last client of the sort was a king." "Why did you pick him?" We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend there were so many in the whole country as were brought together should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "'There is a drive, then?' it means?" "Entirely." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Nothing." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of that I can to serve you." back alive. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "'There is a drive, then?' Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Why did you beat the pavement?" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are