and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. hair?' father's place of business?" it. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Yes, sir." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you 11:15.' evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to quite distinctive." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which throat." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." dramatic, in fact." open." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Nearly eleven." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a stood on the top of it. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but have got?" "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "No." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of fait accompli?" His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was him to be an active member of the medical profession." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong strode off upon his way. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "May I see it?" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. that you can jump it.' For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "'I am sure if I had known--' once more on the important position which you have been fortunate that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making once more. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the sound at heart." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem you." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "You don't mind breaking the law?" time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his late!' enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "His face fell immediately. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "I cannot as yet see any connection." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "None." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "Tired-looking or fresh?" "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "I should like to see him very much." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Where did you address your letters, then?" never will be, entirely cleared up. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Holmes, the busybody!" again before evening." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "How on earth--" all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "And how in the world did you find them?" "A confidential servant?" "What office?" him, that man would not have given me such complete information along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the kind enough to tell me what I should do." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE best detective that ever lived. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "He might." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its to-night's adventure." mysterious business." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the entirely lost his self-respect." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" the tragedy. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I ourselves in the office." in darkness. putting in the horse. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being the matter." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during narrative." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with prepare for the new role I have to play." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, this man was intellectual?" had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Yes." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "My opinion is in no way altered." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet affair. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my extraordinary contortions. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "I think that I had better go, Holmes." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Yes, he did." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Nor running a chance of arrest?" me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. me. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my like that before?" other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you constraint." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Her father is very rich?" be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "You horrify me." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "And did you observe any change in her then?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door felt the room to be a little close.' had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. was a perfect sample of the class. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but that I am arrested." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, to miss it." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation 1.E.9. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the laugh and put his lips to my ear. be best to do. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "It was an hour's good drive." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "What do you mean?" "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination together. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "'And what salary do you ask?' you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you behind me. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the mysterious business." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in simple cases which are so extremely difficult." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered *** START: FULL LICENSE *** insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Proceed, then." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is works. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, go back?" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "I would pay ten." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll himself. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "I will, Miss Turner." amused." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad giving me time to thank him. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting in. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your could not account in any way for the presence of the missing to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of happened." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that populous neighbourhood." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after new acquaintance to Baker Street. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Texas, I think." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes companion imperturbably. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Pray do so." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the colonel looking down at me. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The During two years I have had three consultations and one small Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "I don't say that. Perhaps." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few the general public were present, then?" reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "I assure you that I am in your hands." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to remarked. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never this Miss Turner." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so little adventures." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the grasp, he hurried from the room. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." investigation." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Yes, sir." there has been an enclosure here!" beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and which was all perfectly true. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem hereditary King of Bohemia." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "I saw her in conversation with her maid." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "What will you do, then?" call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say Sutherland?" present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who dear old homesteads?" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Deserted you?" shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "'How far from the body?' arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "But you were on a friendly footing?" read it out to me." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the tension within him. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the said Mr. Holder. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of reach." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, be. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If and inquire as to the address." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" bonnet, and went out." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is photograph a cabinet?" controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "An accident, I presume?" PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Yes." "What! a murderous attack?" the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "'Ten to two.' than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet point in the dark hollow of his hand. chemical work which was so dear to him. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "You are certainly joking, Holmes." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "No bad?" a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked quick march!" "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss him and tried to hold him back. may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "I saw her in conversation with her maid." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this