III. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "No, my brougham is waiting." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet are, and they are waiting for us." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we address. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," in a friendly supper." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom matter." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Which are?" absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Ah!" light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be in his hands." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "But how?" "It is half-past ten now." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, villagers almost as much as their master. definite end. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which sneer upon his pale face. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "My photograph." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, it right.' copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "It is possible." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "And I to find an enemy." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Ah, but I was recommended to you." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic him nearly every evening." once more. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." went to the Alpha were town bred." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to keep the flames under. "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out lectures into a series of tales." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "But your client--" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "BALLARAT." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." was a loud and authoritative tap. "Yes, I have one waiting." "Precisely." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if problems help me to do so." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I nothing of it?" "I cannot as yet see any connection." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Yes. He waved his hands." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy some terrible trap for her." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every hurried away. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project place no limit on the sum I may draw." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Texas, I think." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "If I can be of use." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. that?' "And you can do nothing until then?" one or two very singular points about this room. For example, chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "'I have heard so.' year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I as the one I chose?' furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. bill, which interests me deeply." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. confronted him. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, hand, madam?" "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "Stolen, then." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in someone who had been in Australia." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my his forehead." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round 'please.'" mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less chambers. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Yes." "And that is--" "Well, it is a possible supposition." introspective fashion. tied." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There prison!" woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor some place of shelter and let the county police know what has Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and matters immensely." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." of Fenchurch Street." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "Your French gold?" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. locked. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." brandy and water within his reach. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "No." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to entirely lost his self-respect." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet companion. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after The note was undated, and without either signature or address. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Will you bet, then?" "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian sneer upon his pale face. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! DAMAGE. B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have words came to my lips. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "I was mad--insane." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Was there a secret marriage?" believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" discontent upon his features. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's better in every way that they should make their position a little in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "She told me to ask you." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "It is solved." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "But she could not love him." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Precisely." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "'And the work?' Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be leave you to your papers for a little." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "In heaven's name, what for?" over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking quick march!" to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel strode off upon his way. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "'Quite sure, dad.' same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural Leadenhall Street--and--" without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and second." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a wanted for ourselves." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door gone. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "'Never,' said I. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven believe that I should never have any practice at all. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." I leave." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "And I." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "She showed me, as I told you she would." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you formed some opinion?" when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "No sign of it?" elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." window when the police appeared." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to maiden herself was most instructive." redistribution. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you said I. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? rooms." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "No?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one swore that no one else had been in the front room during the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have some place of shelter and let the county police know what has rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Yes." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Precisely." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary results." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon kindly on the shoulder. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "An enemy?" opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "You did not overhear what they said?" relief. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Then you may entirely rely on me." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers said I. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon shag which I had seen upon the previous night. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. them?" justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a emerged. "Yes." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, the date of his supposed suicide." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" strong reason behind." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "It was." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Yes, only one." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a fluttered off among the others. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard villagers almost as much as their master. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous clanging. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as works. See paragraph 1.E below. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the means taking possession of that which another person has a prior country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point peculiar to him. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, locked. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes 1.F. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our quickly through a disagreeable task. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per late." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "By train from Waterloo." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a a very grave face. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. when you have done it." "'And the work?' with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in out of this horrible affair." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he copied or distributed: along the entire front of the house, with three long windows distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "It is a murder, then?" "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my Street. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. the house with me." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation think you a quite exceptional woman." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is said he at last. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the before the coroner and the police-court." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, me have 200 pounds?' staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On the running down." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special