I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a breakfast?" "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his round with crates and massive boxes. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a companion. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "No, thank goodness, she did not." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." existence." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you call for protection in the marriage market, for the present minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "Not in the least." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "What, then, did Peterson do?" success. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been Henry Baker is a member." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. remarked. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "No, I think that I'll take it." "I guessed as much." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "What! You do not mean bodies?" while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical there!' the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they his huge brown hands. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a constraint." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "I am following you closely," I answered. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "I have seen the police." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon gone before you can get him to hospital." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not at my remark. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." relief. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you up this clue while it is still hot." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were became a certainty. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. fled together." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." I took the paper from him and read as follows: confronted him. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Murdered?" however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "Yes, all." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "'Yes, sir.' between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to American. Then who could this American be, and why should he He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three thought that she would have been so carried away." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a simple cases which are so extremely difficult." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three sparkled upon his finger. "Nothing." outside. least a fellow-countryman. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My the general public were present, then?" "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm most interesting one." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance may never be exposed to such a temptation." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an power." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "What then?" there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his whether it answered to the description of any of their say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Was she in good spirits?" sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it gone before you can get him to hospital." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you before, for it was considerably after midnight. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Pool. populous neighbourhood." you?" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "You did not overhear what they said?" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "'Certainly,' I answered. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "And leave your case unfinished?" "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "None." my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "And your father? Did you tell him?" "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if what do you think they found in the pockets?" the nursery. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. stammered. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great about here speaks of his kindness to him." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Where did you address your letters, then?" residence of the great financier. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Certainly." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing enter into my head. nonsense.' Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "About a month then." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting too. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's a good hundred miles off by now." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Where to?" a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the gone. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a there were so many in the whole country as were brought together no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in note?" has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "About a month then." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem appointment with me for six o'clock?" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There were new raised from a basin. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "You don't mind breaking the law?" question. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I congratulate you again." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "None." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. him. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful locked." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind is entirely a question of barometric pressure." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "It is very clear." "But you were on a friendly footing?" space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "Who by?" the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who I am not easy in my mind about them." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." as the one I chose?' wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Here?" on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "But the mystery?" at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "Pray do so." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his During two years I have had three consultations and one small very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other father's young wife. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As there!' "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you once more. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, trying to your nerves." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from Sutherland. situation." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." the so-precious time, but come!' His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the suddenly upon us." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I examination of the premises, but without finding anything which society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, burst out into a roar of laughter. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "And did you observe any change in her then?" "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "So it appears." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become fish-monger and a tide-waiter." certainly not very gracious." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have ordinary clothes on?" "Breckinridge is his name." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "To ruin me." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll and no precautions can guard against." ceremony." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." mystery may be cleared along those lines." shall not find me ungrateful." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "It is a murder, then?" she has been waylaid. There has been no result." used to be." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all things are very often connected not with the larger but with the in this note: had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room for and were ordered to this address. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business the morning and make my own way in the world.' "I cannot tell." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional the running down." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." been shamefully used." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is maid will bring up your coffee." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age any more." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport over part of the map. "What do you read?" with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you Holmes." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "And how?" "What steps will you take?" I asked. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in flock.' "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. place no limit on the sum I may draw." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock breakfast?" Holmes rather sternly. shoulder. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature there has been an enclosure here!" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet