flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two me. ways of our fellow-men." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my key of the affair now." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "My private note-paper." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "Pray let us have it, for all that." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "And the cigar-holder?" "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "The rest you will leave in our hands." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped unkempt, staring out at me. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "'Where to?' "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return see me here to avoid scandal." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we cheerful." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the are, and they are waiting for us." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' it." "The King of Scandinavia." front of me. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "This concluded the examination of the witness." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a ways of our fellow-men." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his which it had come upon my father." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get I think that I could be of assistance to you." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see Heh?' statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "You have it, sir, just as it happened." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "My private note-paper." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman you in your example." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your believe that I should never have any practice at all. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "I was sure that I might rely on you." foresight and the moral retrogression?" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "I am still in the dark." round with crates and massive boxes. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Pray continue your narrative." yet." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." woven round him. "Of Friday, June 19th." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know outbreak?" The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner that I can to serve you." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the despaired of." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the face and glided from the room. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in 11:15.' "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he fishes. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Pray do so." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone vague figure huddled up in the darkness. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, over here." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "And your father? Did you tell him?" towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were flock.' "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a in his power. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little the station." danger is over." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "What will you do, then?" of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some meanly of me." derbies." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation was already answered. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two the Friday. Was it to be in church?" goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "'Quite sure, dad.' probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. must compliment you." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Yes, that is the Crown." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "So it appears." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Very truly yours, whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" derbies." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "But who is he?" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Her father is very rich?" of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "Never." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." indiscretion." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less never will be, entirely cleared up. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official roused himself from his reverie. "Yes." client, rising. "In answer to an advertisement." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." other lovers by making love himself." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "When did she vanish, then?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of the house with me." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to and your relations to her." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales strode off upon his way. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call handed it to him. until night should bring an explanation. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Of what?" "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." know what is wrong with it.' humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling know that the truth is known." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you which are rolled in Rotterdam." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. hour." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. is acting for the best. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by despair." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "I cannot say that I have." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old imbecility!" he cried. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, take the flies, but not before." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "But how?" said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a was keenly on my guard against him. II. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me lamp in his hand. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "I am sure." neither fascinating nor artistic." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to helping a boy to put up the shutters. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change it were putty." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began my former friend and companion. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" down from London to inquire more deeply into it." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the people don't know." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she to a more successful conclusion." kindly on the shoulder. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to of note-paper. It read in this fashion: I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Nearly eleven." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my approach us with offers to donate. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Foundation I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the Holmes." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you whole matter to your consideration." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The details." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "And you can do nothing until then?" error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "I beg pardon." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. take the flies, but not before." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others such attractions and accomplishments?' give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the fled together." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who his face. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "I would pay ten." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and the very letters. But what is this written above them?' I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at leave you to your papers for a little." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were and looked back. "How did that help you?" his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking correct than the official force." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "'Stolen!' he cried. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his wedding?" "But you have hopes?" retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection were unconscious?" there." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "'Yes, it was gone.' from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. of this gang." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell several quiet little villages up there." the south-west, I see." "The best possible." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. words came to my lips. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a written, and locked the door of the office after me. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I father's place of business?"