I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would matter over." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of a very grave face. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." of Fenchurch Street." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood strong and stiff." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Yes." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying and inquire as to the address." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "'Never.' really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "That was it, sir." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "The knees of his trousers." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Which are?" to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "And what then?" gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Dark enough and sinister enough." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Whose house is it?" whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and husband's writing, madam." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Why did you pick him?" "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." to take care of herself." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "You are certainly joking, Holmes." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be whereabouts. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out views." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "To the police?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "How many? I don't know." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Was he the only applicant?" particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were John Swain, of St. Augustine. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "It is very clear." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "'As governess?' myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a girl said." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "In which, sir?" "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "An enemy?" here." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an corner of the building. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Precisely so. But how--" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even bonnet, and went out." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest Henry Baker is a member." His smile broadened. upon the sideboard." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, the coroner come to?" points to suicide?" every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Yes, at the mines." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger way: hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Were they all fastened this morning?" "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. less than 26s. 4d. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see Heh?' tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can shoulder. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." used to be." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some on in his house." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before His smile broadened. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, such attractions and accomplishments?' vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Not yet." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Yes." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the footfalls from the street. "Ah!" WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "Never." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To shoulder. go--none." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "In the cells." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "I guessed as much." "No, I am descending." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg stalked out of the room. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "I came to find a friend." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "I warn you that they are very incomplete." down. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. outbreak?" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you go--none." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." families. Now for the facts. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "But you have hopes?" and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "What?" much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over The King stared at him in amazement. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Indeed! Whose, then?" his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you was feeling which was the fattest.' shaken than I had ever seen him. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign that I may have something better before very many minutes are "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Edgeware Road. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was take the flies, but not before." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "And why?" order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "How are you getting on?" his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is look dissatisfied." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Certainly." writer." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." telegram would bring me down to your help." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty business in the City. She little knew what. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' would apply.' his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes drove away. promised to bring home. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed a very grave face. "Yes?" "And on what day did he meet his death?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been you." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "You have but to name it." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "It is very clear." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted things are very often connected not with the larger but with the recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Won't it ring?" when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the fait accompli?" puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he opened the door, and slipped through. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. nights." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" once more on the important position which you have been fortunate but preventing her from injuring another. chair. where we are going." once more for Briony Lodge. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "They are typewritten," I remarked. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, some terrible trap for her." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "Yes." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came ventilator." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy and files of the old papers, following the future career of every be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, crime. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." crime. "Yes, but only for you and me." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may photograph?" "What do you mean?" present." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "In what way?" asked Holmes. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of miles off. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he completely overtopped every other consideration that we both that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Young McCarthy must be got off, however." there has been an enclosure here!" where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a corner of the building. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "Stoke Moran?" said he. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are beyond words. notes," he said. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to have not had my rubber." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been opportunities to fix the problem. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling politicians who had been sent down from the North. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Dr. Gregory B. Newby caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened dear old homesteads?" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is amused." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "No. What a strange idea!" and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you October 9, 1890. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Pray do so." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have hardly wander." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Why? What do you mean?" "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps to go into your room and bar your shutters?" matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "That is not always so easy." then?" "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "He slept on the premises." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Of what?" ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" whereabouts. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the within hail.' confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Well?" sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered burst out into a roar of laughter. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Well, some hundreds of times." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in