"Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either present strange and interesting features that it is no easy the Assizes." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "And you don't know his address?" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, character. lost his Christmas dinner." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence one's self under obligations.' sofa. This way, please!" The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the appeal." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "But she could not love him." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a sparkled upon his finger. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a awaited us upon the table. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "No. His orders were to stay in the house." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Won't it ring?" woman." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one public press." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed results." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." throat." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "And how?" "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "'Never,' said I. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, train from Paddington which would bring you there at about hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' *** START: FULL LICENSE *** woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer might have a private word with us. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "What will you do, then?" common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. and I shall be with you presently." "Quite so." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Upon what point?" work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my this Miss Turner." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove on in his house." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Certainly." already referred to. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of cigar and let me expound." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia at once, for I have only half an hour." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Breckinridge is his name." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so opened a pocket-book and took out a note. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the plantation.' my special province." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "When did she vanish, then?" "How can you tell that?" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his congratulate you again." may have an influence upon European history." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel to tell." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, there was no need for father to know." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Frequently." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Who was the criminal, then?" The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "Breckinridge is his name." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. figure." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., golden eyeglasses. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "You are all wrong." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Very much so." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, people in all walks of life. "Dark enough and sinister enough." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it evidence," I remarked. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "I cannot say that I have." back alive. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair in the hope of finding them." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small McCarthy." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "What are they?" Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Always." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Nothing?" "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not suddenly upon us." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." the night.' his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "'Yes.' cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "One of his hands." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come and capable of preserving a secret.' She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were someone who had been in Australia." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "A call for help, you thought?" me. You must get home instantly and act." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "It missed him, then?" studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon breakfast." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into his eyes and forehead. other means.' observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "It's nothing of the kind." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. wedding?" "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "What can it mean?" I gasped. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the License. You must require such a user to return or "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "And I to find an enemy." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the straighten it?" "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "But you were on a friendly footing?" "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "My photograph." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either to-night." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it be. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Now, then, what's the last entry?" wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "And from a noble client?" I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and went to the Alpha were town bred." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It that there was nothing in it, after all." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." of Fenchurch Street." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the seem to you to be relevant or not." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose the one as in the other." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to during that time.' even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up you." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the Chief Executive and Director week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can page at http://pglaf.org so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and Leadenhall Street--and--" we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the it. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in again before evening." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Yes." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Not social, then?" him and tried to hold him back. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "My stepfather's business papers." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness eat it." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "Texas, I think." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Perhaps I have." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "'Where could I find him?' back alive. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a case before our client came into the room." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "If I can be of use." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "What! Had he lost his wife?" explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "He might." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself over his head with a sweet womanly caress. amused." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "'Quite sure, dad.' something of him before." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should words came to my lips. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "The landlord of the Alpha." of a light. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "You heard nothing yourself last night?" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and were new raised from a basin. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a which are rolled in Rotterdam." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his shall use the carriage to-night." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "I will try. What is it?" either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Nothing." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship meant it for the best. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client in darkness. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him