late!' "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a instituted." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this presume?" vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Henry Baker is a member." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "It's nothing of the kind." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "So I have heard." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical once more to my work. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, undoubtedly my uncle's." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with and it need not interfere very much with one's other Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "I should wish to." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am the stones. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need one else, I think." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "But how?" Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "'Certainly not. But why?' and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on mysterious end." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" wanted for ourselves." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a hands. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Very. But will he see it?" it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden recover the gem." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the writers could invent nothing more crude." emerged. annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have friend's singular character. the dangers which encompass me." way: "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "You think that he is dead?" attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "But she will refuse." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. certainly do as you advise." call you and give you the chance." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Again Holmes raved in the air. time." of this gang." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." the bottom.' "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert chamber." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few that you wished to speak to me?' protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," client, rising. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have Holmes' thin, eager face. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, that?' lectures into a series of tales." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing again, where I was soon asleep. head. So long, then!" in a very precise fashion." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that searched, without anything being found which could incriminate we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Precisely so. But how--" the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to have one." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong you for a few hours?" "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "And what did you learn from him?" "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "An enemy?" prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that woven round him. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "Stoke Moran?" said he. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "Ten will be early enough." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" peculiar to him. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has without success. At last the little money which I had saved began arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair awkward doing business with an alias." "Stolen, then." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. room had already been engaged for us. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." mysterious business." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The his face which made him a very different person to the round, "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in woven round him. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he without a word or a look. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of conversation I have gathered that they have been married about at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she followed. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from south, for the country is more deserted there." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "We must have a cab." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and cigar and let me expound." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Yesterday." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." within hail.' along the entire front of the house, with three long windows you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between direction." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "And Miss Sutherland?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "So I am. Very much so." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Yes." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Why did you pick him?" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" shall not find me ungrateful." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "An accident, I presume?" whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as where she found matters as described by the last witness. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "When did she vanish, then?" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most strength in the others." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 throat." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a undoubtedly my uncle's." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "But she will refuse." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his extraordinary contortions. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" meant." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "Do you receive much company?" he asked. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was The note was undated, and without either signature or address. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought in darkness. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for the so-precious time, but come!' slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got goes." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. chance at all." and a shock of very red hair. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, this as likely?" he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step lips." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from several quiet little villages up there." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." States. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "I do." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "And how?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I in the dead of the night?' result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his to-night?" I asked. "Yes." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "The murder was done with it." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. wedding?" ashen face. approach us with offers to donate. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "I am following you closely," I answered. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing chance at all." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "You are hungry," I remarked. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "What do you make of that, Watson?" "'Is 4 pounds a week.' me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had it were putty." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would and the whole place is in a blaze." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few States. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Certainly." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money copied or distributed: jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "But his lameness?" "Just look it up, then." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook where we are going." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered man. out." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "'Yes.' sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was interested in these little problems, and since you are good "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "There are none." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. lips." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." digesting their breakfasts at home." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a them?" "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a conclusions. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several country, and eventually married, without anyone having a strength of mind to control. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" ago." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather ready to-morrow?' hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Yes, only one." occupations.' Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Of what?" The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had his fortune, and I went back to pa. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are in your London, you will know that the office of the company is anything to a woman, for she would have her way." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little hands. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "'And the work?' "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out as the one I chose?' "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which that I may have something better before very many minutes are "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London,