glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little narrative." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been fatally injured? "What have you to say now?" Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "I should be immensely obliged to you." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into public press." upon the shelf for the interim." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into manager. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "What shall I do?" "Nothing?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "And on what day did he meet his death?" however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "But it has twice been burgled." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "I have a cab outside." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "I have a cab outside." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "And how have you succeeded?" fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" she used." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them DAMAGE. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" evidence," I remarked. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the interests were the same as his." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "In the cells." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now where she found matters as described by the last witness. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "The Coroner: What do you mean? be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his into her hand at the door and which lured her within their from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "And how?" greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better ceremony." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Yes. He waved his hands." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the there when the Rucastles went away." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers Eyford." hand, madam?" secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was bill, which interests me deeply." hardly wander." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Then, as to money?" that you saw all that I did." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by to-night?" I asked. had picked up in the wood. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "An accident, I presume?" street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Edgeware Road. than was visible to me." green of the new foliage. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the crime." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey new acquaintance to Baker Street. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. advice." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "I have my revolver," said I. Again Holmes raved in the air. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. you." details." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." highly," said Holmes. again, where I was soon asleep. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. carried out of court." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "My photograph." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your Count Von Kramm." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove together. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "I think it very unlikely." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from any little problem which you may submit to me." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a test if we have an answer to our advertisement." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. to miss it." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally you." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project it." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. directors, with the result that you have seen." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or are, I think, all that we need." clang of the bell. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady second." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "And is that all?" total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "I am all attention, madam." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "You did not overhear what they said?" "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I Sholtos." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a case before our client came into the room." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We distance from the station, and there we found the young lady detained." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of I nodded again. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Certainly." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. society." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them wife's character?" have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were of Mr. Rucastle's." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" during which he might have communicated with his friend the dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been and shall probably return to London by the evening train." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Ha! you find it so?" "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" maid will bring up your coffee." "I have a cab outside." "'Yes.' flock.' been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over test if we have an answer to our advertisement." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even matters immensely." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly considering the formidable letters which were received by himself far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Dark enough and sinister enough." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs maiden herself was most instructive." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we Project Gutenberg-tm works. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Was he the only applicant?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after speckled band?" 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is detective. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "And what then?" told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "You have but to name it." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me existence." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Yes." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Well." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the voice. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven I nodded to show that I had heard. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "I would pay ten." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last The note was undated, and without either signature or address. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been in this note: Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Very much so." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my sofa. This way, please!" night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists fishes. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having call the police, let the police find what they can.' pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "I think that it is very probable." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in answered with a sidelong glance. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before should be so warm over such a trifle." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the disturbance in my wife." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in the roots. "I cannot say that I have." jewels which you have stolen?' sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Tired-looking or fresh?" remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Just look it up, then." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic followed. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Yes." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" question," said Holmes, smiling. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar appeal." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of fled together." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your in the port of London." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "When did she vanish, then?" "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "But he might be a bachelor." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a if I call to-morrow?" all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the It may be so in this case, also." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had I. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become Mrs. Toller serenely. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "I see many objections to any such theory." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "An accident, I presume?" "But how?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." beg that you will break it off." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and these bleak autumnal evenings." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "And I say east," said my patient. a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large