"Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Certainly." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "He is still with you, I presume?" Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in became a certainty. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "He might." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far together. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. had this final quarrel? corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "One?" nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact weigh very heavily upon my conscience." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of wanted for ourselves." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true ready to-morrow?' "Dr. Becher's." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing entirely lost his self-respect." death." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew DAMAGE. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "I assure you that I am in your hands." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "Bought." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she distance from the station, and there we found the young lady cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." room. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but true." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite bell. Holmes whistled. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "And I say east," said my patient. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective not come at once?" enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you words came to my lips. me upon any point which I do not make clear." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is along the entire front of the house, with three long windows spare." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "'What are you doing there?' he asked. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "None. Neville wrote those words." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in where Mr. Fordham shows you.' parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have success. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "One?" to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that fasten all the windows?" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to grasp, he hurried from the room. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." help us in this matter." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' empty. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a miles off. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it Clair, of Lee." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. again on its way. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "What of the rat, then?" "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given cause to be." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she the inquest, and which are worth considering." said he at last. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Murdered?" "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, strong and stiff." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I sake, don't!" him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses returned to France?" "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Were they all fastened this morning?" "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you papers diligently of late, have you not?" what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Always." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was I. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked which was all perfectly true. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at himself in a perplexing position. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard but preventing her from injuring another. companion imperturbably. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. was feeling which was the fattest.' "No." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in asked with his eyes open. back alive. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who lids now and glanced across at his visitor. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless front of me. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low Holmes' room. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "At half-wages, in fact." matters immensely." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Pray let us have it, for all that." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and case before our client came into the room." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a geese which you supplied to the Alpha." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery questionable one." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled ourselves in the office." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "But you would not advise me to refuse?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible call it cruel." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had photograph a cabinet?" than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I your Highness to the police-station?" doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I chance at all." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case be best to do. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of introspective fashion. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a purpose equally well?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "But how could you guess what the motive was?" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Well, but China?" newspaper selections." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "My opinion is in no way altered." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we back to my heart. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "A thing like a cleaver," said he. place of silver." and that he would see to anything that turned up. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for with frightened eyes at his accuser. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Witness: I must still refuse. matter." conceal it?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Your French gold?" though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which forecastle of an emigrant ship. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in should be taken.' "Do you receive much company?" he asked. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which strong reason behind." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" to miss it." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "There are none." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "Yes." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of questionable one." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some drove away. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "I fear not." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same that I am arrested." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "What are they?" in the hope of finding them." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. it were putty." woven round him. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "But she will refuse." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for at my remark. the matter?" hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all tension within him. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he Munro.' narrative." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. instituted." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, for its centre. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Well, some hundreds of times." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "The King of Scandinavia." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "It surprised me." it. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Then I can wait in the next room." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "I do." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are this remarkable episode. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it guilty one." matter." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which into the bag, and made for the door. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless direction." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on has little to do with my story." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a read over the extraordinary announcement. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "And sit in the dark?" night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had the morning and make my own way in the world.' breakfast." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' nights." true." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in to miss it." "An enemy?" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, both be extremely obliged.' his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried as he folded up the epistle. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room allusion to a rat. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was begun to whiten, even as mine has."