"Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room my special province." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the remarked. "My opinion is in no way altered." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and and all of them with the keenest interest. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "What will you do, then?" "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great only touch the interest." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our exactly what you advise." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the respectable self." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Well." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this to a light-house. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Have you her photograph?" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "And from a noble client?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If look dissatisfied." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Perfectly so." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should mystery may be cleared along those lines." weighed down with some great anxiety. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "Could he throw no light?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "He might." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. are windows in it, of course?" "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked hardly wander." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him to arrive at through this?" sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK himself in a perplexing position. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and suggested at once that there must be a communication between the when you have done it." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was ceremony." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor events than those which have happened in my own family." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, in this way: stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "BALLARAT." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I felt?" in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded carriage. It was a chestnut." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Your presence might be invaluable." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that outsides of the windows. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "What do you mean?" noting anything else of interest. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for down in his armchair and closing his eyes. correct than the official force." article?" play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. made his money." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "Witness: I must still refuse. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "At the wedding breakfast." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so himself. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "No, finished." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, events, Mr. Windibank!" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official it means?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be peculiar to him. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now Holmes' room. drove away. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "We were both in the photograph." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "I have my revolver," said I. three fields round his house, and there he would take his 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "'I shall certainly be there.' "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, to tackle the facts." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never back into the street. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "It is his hat." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a unprofitable." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I closing the door. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "To the police?" thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little one of them." Stoke Moran." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It him nearly every evening." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience her also." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the criminal. We have already had experience of such." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the least a most suspicious remark." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Ah!" "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Why? What do you mean?" the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide humiliation." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew suggested at once that there must be a communication between the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of the coronet in his hands?" Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible chance." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he appeal." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a against a man in the prime of life?" comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that fluttered off among the others. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "'Never,' said I. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Did your wife hear all this?" think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and becomes even more simple." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly that he has suffered." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "'Yes, sir.' Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "On the contrary, this is the right side." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem place, I think that there is good ground to think that the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Look there!" said he. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "At half-wages, in fact." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. did not hear it also.' my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent gentleman's clothes. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary I was concerned in it." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' arms and began to sob in a high treble key. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even chance at all." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a such person." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope Sholtos." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I Holmes. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "His face fell immediately. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "You know me, then?" behind me. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." back into the street. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It at my own good fortune. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Did your wife hear all this?" "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned it. beg that you will break it off." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "What!" he roared. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "One horse?" interjected Holmes. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "I saw her in conversation with her maid." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those whatever might befall. confronted him. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." look dissatisfied." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "But he might be a bachelor." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very yet." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. for its centre. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are pierced for earrings?" I think that I could be of assistance to you." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be to-night." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Come in!" said Holmes. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw interested in these little problems, and since you are good fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, late." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Your sister is dead, then?" have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "Won't it ring?" they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other really the only notable feature about the thing." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to weary and pale-looking. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the tell them apart.' since then to throw any light upon what became of him." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "You have carte blanche." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "'I shall certainly be there.' with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are nights." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been back into the street. locked. the address that was given us in the advertisement. way in." Henry Baker is a member." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a directly by questioning you." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like on re-entering her father's house?" whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down him to go away.' his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "It is no ordinary one." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "'Yes.' I was concerned in it." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do unkempt, staring out at me. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "So I have heard." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he taking in every detail of the apartment. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Not particularly." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more