"And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we laugh and put his lips to my ear. less than 26s. 4d. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which do.' the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the telegram would bring me down to your help." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded all-comprehensive glances. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "Yes." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "My Mary? Impossible!" furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my *** START: FULL LICENSE *** supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day the warnings." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful daring than any effort of the imagination." "Then you may be so with me." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to felt?" as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others more terrible than the truth. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "It's nothing of the kind." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Your sister is dead, then?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her Young McCarthy must be got off, however." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all in my life." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Proceed, then." them present such singular features as the strange train of and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "You have a clue?" the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "No more words. Get out!" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband meant." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Why? What do you mean?" "But I am all in the dark." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "Yes, certainly." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the which our visitor detailed to us. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the I was concerned in it." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning be. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "'And what salary do you ask?' "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. the inner apartment." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "I am armed." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you not fit the lock." four million human beings all jostling each other within the "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. as yours." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody formed some opinion?" sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "I think it very unlikely." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and matter." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry were new raised from a basin. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." the coronet in his hands?" shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through roused himself from his reverie. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father bled considerably." "I am armed." "A call for help, you thought?" "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." head. So long, then!" how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened strong reason behind." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. nothing with him." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a have not had my rubber." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Have you it here?" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in was used.' One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that morning." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the were unconscious?" the coronet at all injured?" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification fashion which was peculiar to him. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The of a light. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Of what day?" then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "No." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an dead, shall be safe with us." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "What will you do, then?" it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which whereabouts. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her you?' just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "I assure you that I am in your hands." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "But how?" abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "My photograph." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as at my remark. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Nothing." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly awkward doing business with an alias." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful What do you deduce from it?" know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a as he folded up the epistle. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not must be when I saw the door open.' force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Entirely." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn assist you in forming an opinion." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle companion imperturbably. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have conceal it?" time." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few it." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Thank you. Pray proceed." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" to a light-house. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his how narrow had been my escape. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable invisible to me," I remarked. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, which our visitor detailed to us. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" would apply.' sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "No, I had a dozen." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still outside." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked all-comprehensive glances. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "And why?" cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Upon what point?" "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "'Never,' said I. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned suspect him." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, outsides of the windows. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Whose house is it?" the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with when you have done it." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "And how did he make his money?" "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one the best of training." whether it answered to the description of any of their to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" out." "Will you bet, then?" Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her Holmes." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "What then?" of a light. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side triumphant cloud from his cigarette. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "I assure you that I am in your hands." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "But you have hopes?" profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the later, upon the night of May 2nd." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Proceed, then." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in lamp in his hand. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his words came to my lips. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Thank you. And your address?" lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built there has been an enclosure here!" south, for the country is more deserted there." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "And sit in the dark?" habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for strong reason behind." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. hurried away. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and if she died from some sudden fright." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day sneer upon his pale face. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a them?" was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very place of silver." "I am sure." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be business." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of followed. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." the matter?" secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive Project Gutenberg-tm works. fat-encircled eyes. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham I nodded again. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six himself to hunt down. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "Have you her photograph?" out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on help us in this matter." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "I see many objections to any such theory." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. bird I ate is country bred." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" bird of prey. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Yes, but only for you and me." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a troubles have been weighing upon his mind. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "'Is 4 pounds a week.' he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some bell. Holmes whistled. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, Arthur Conan Doyle "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then me. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies that "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in gigantic client. "What of the rat, then?" centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, distinguish the words: a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and