weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come showing my impatience. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "Yes, from Horsham." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I likely to be some crony of the landlady's." from the brougham. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself fasten all the windows?" some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "My own seal." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the with the outside air!" cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "And the murderer?" I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "So I am. Very much so." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then Sutherland?" double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, results." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" father's young wife. "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic I was concerned in it." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had never will be, entirely cleared up. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "We have tried and failed." "Pray continue your narrative." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was read it out to me." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "In what way?" asked Holmes. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I least a fellow-countryman. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking indeed happy." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what bled considerably." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been public press." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of over here." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." at my remark. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Leadenhall Street--and--" "I was sure that I might rely on you." there was no need for father to know." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an the roots. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Where, then, is my wife?" had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "'In my own bureau.' "Then I do not see the point." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "And who is her maid?" he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the question," said Holmes, smiling. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "We must have a cab." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with yourselves in at night?" "'Not at all. I only doubt--' electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. in this way: hurried away. "Not social, then?" can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a fact, we may call it conclusive." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Did you become engaged then?" definite end. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to pictures, libraries, or plate. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of which it had come upon my father." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of national property. I was determined that the law should have its At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of again." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, morning." do." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue four million human beings all jostling each other within the research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "On the contrary, this is the right side." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography Watson," he said cordially. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "Oh, the cause is excellent!" very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "Yes. He waved his hands." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in Watson," he said cordially. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' bore every mark of being an average commonplace British frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a examination of the premises, but without finding anything which secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "I think that I had better go, Holmes." them, and came down just as you departed. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "None. Neville wrote those words." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Which are?" and capable of preserving a secret.' the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate think, you have already met." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Was your sister dressed?" down from London to inquire more deeply into it." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know grasp, he hurried from the room. province." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "I have my revolver," said I. bird of prey. events than those which have happened in my own family." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Yes." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of for and were ordered to this address. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That key turn in the lock." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming morning." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we and capable of preserving a secret.' At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for anything to do with the matter?" "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back delighted to hear it," he said. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which events than those which have happened in my own family." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "Is he quiet?" Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been I. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "We have tried and failed." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know occupations.' All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in Eyford at 11:15.' even of instruction." this man was intellectual?" drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and never to learn it at all." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "I came to find a friend." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could carriage. It was a chestnut." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "And now?" I asked. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Pray do so." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they key of the affair now." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "That you are never beaten." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' is so. I know all about McCarthy." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Certainly." "Ten will be early enough." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to What do you deduce from it?" do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, that you wished to speak to me?' accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "'Yes, I promise.' the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this know that the truth is known." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send back into the street. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" that you saw all that I did." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "What then?" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of disappearance of the bride.'" woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Well, but China?" Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' some place of shelter and let the county police know what has of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." fire. You quite follow me?" prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your records." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons never will be, entirely cleared up. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I remarked. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for you." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor me upon any point which I do not make clear." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed that before taking the final step I should like to submit the and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. main points of my analysis." "I know where it is." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "What is it?" comes from the middle window." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "You will not go there first?" governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "'A dozen yards or so.' "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "It is true that I have been generally successful." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? union?" me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "It is his hat." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "'Which dealer's?' on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "You think so, too?" "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did joking. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he the warnings." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Two days later this same performance was gone through under sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. client, rising. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, clang of the bell. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what highly," said Holmes. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "I don't believe it." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with weary and pale-looking. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "'Is purely nominal.' "But to whom?" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal is now desirous of getting those letters back." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I occupations.' Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "You have it, sir, just as it happened." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of certainly do as you advise." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "In what way?" asked Holmes. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce presented which may be striking and bizarre without being American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a speckled band?" And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom maiden herself was most instructive." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "I know where it is." "I think that it is very probable." "Certainly." and looked back. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, she slowly sank and died without having recovered her compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the