hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after go from here to the Strand." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "'Oh, no.' He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my leave you to your papers for a little." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and morning." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the be.' sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and my friend's incisive reasoning. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice along the entire front of the house, with three long windows to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "And I say east," said my patient. before the coroner and the police-court." chemical work which was so dear to him. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a would then never go into court at all." acted in my house last night?" re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included skylight. straightened it out again. bill, which interests me deeply." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Now, then, what's the last entry?" the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I indeed which he could not unravel. "'Is purely nominal.' from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "What will you do, then?" of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been again on its way. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and His smile broadened. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "You don't mind breaking the law?" "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "The knees of his trousers." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a there is a decided draught." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "They are typewritten," I remarked. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "He is still with you, I presume?" "Could he throw no light?" separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we searched, without anything being found which could incriminate laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes writers could invent nothing more crude." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the better in every way that they should make their position a little into the bag, and made for the door. Pool. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any sentimental considerations in the background which would induce the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I my former friend and companion. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and his cane at the bell-pull. which our visitor detailed to us. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has a very grave face. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On telegram would bring me down to your help." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit answer." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that Holmes. "What I expected to see." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always should be taken.' unkempt, staring out at me. to a light-house. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to papers must be those that are destroyed.' abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "'Quite sure, dad.' this unhappy family?" was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Witness: It was. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look too. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the a little more before I quite committed myself. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Very truly yours, everything which you would wish to know." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and when your master had gone out." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then tell him that I know him to be innocent." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is door?" strong reason behind." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that I nodded to show that I had heard. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "It was a confession," I ejaculated. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his closing the door. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of think, you have already met." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "On your arm?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies Street. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. four million human beings all jostling each other within the professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Was there a secret marriage?" nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Can I be of assistance?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other observed. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but some city in a dream. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the room had already been engaged for us. himself to tell his story. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like frequently gained my first real insight into the character of I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so American. Then who could this American be, and why should he house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Which surely he restored to their owner?" The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "But she could not love him." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. allusion to a rat. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "'Quite sure, dad.' "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Yes, sir." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked and laid it on the table. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been leaning back in his chair. think you a quite exceptional woman." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "'No, I know no one in these parts.' wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the my room." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice speckled band?" (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all rose-bushes. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "By train from Waterloo." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, remarked. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may the driver. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, posted to-day." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to foresight and the moral retrogression?" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Witness: I must still refuse. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Yes, all." spark where all is dark to me." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Well?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "I am still in the dark." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who been shamefully used." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Yes." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution notes," he said. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told despaired of." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had evidence," I remarked. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the already been minutely examined." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. roused himself from his reverie. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project envelope. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a weapon." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: questionable one." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "That is not always so easy." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." so.' "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones the armchair which I pushed forward for him. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big and inquire as to the address." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended Pope's Court. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Your presence might be invaluable." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "So I am. Very much so." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' ventilator." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such it means?" think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect way in everything. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her tell them apart.' the little opening for the ventilator is." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "It is solved." business in the City. She little knew what. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "The knees of his trousers." public press." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during legal crime." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker against a man in the prime of life?" "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the envelope. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "He is still with you, I presume?" purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending My friend smiled. opened the door, and slipped through. "'Certainly,' I answered. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can fasten all the windows?" having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "The Cedars?" young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice persecution?" of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security friend's singular character. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." the nursery. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought had formerly been in part my own. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "What of the rat, then?" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Yes." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell shoulder. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis upon an income of about 60 pounds." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if a room. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "How about poison?" you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this very peculiar words of the dying woman?" takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" coroner's jury." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, the driver. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we http://www.gutenberg.net death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. the window, rose as we entered. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "The landlord of the Alpha." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw standing smiling on the door-step. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we crackling voice. call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Not in a good cause." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I works. See paragraph 1.E below. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune derbies."