as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, side. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and know that the truth is known." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. congenial hunt. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "How do you know, then?" handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "And help." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Do you receive much company?" he asked. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." for securing the situation." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a outside." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" Munro.' "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution window when the police appeared." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Come in!" said he. that?' "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Of what?" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a father's young wife. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent asked. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double face and glided from the room. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, the King without delay." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard that the gas is not laid on in his house?" a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Yes." "No." business in the City. She little knew what. him." shaken than I had ever seen him. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "'Tell me all about it,' said I. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to my little problems." wedding?" became a certainty. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the already been minutely examined." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the all that?" was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Here?" "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress trying to your nerves." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both like that before?" "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an to you." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would time." skylight. light and attacked it." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of chance." stammered. instituted." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "No." was lame." "I am armed." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end quite distinctive." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. assist you in forming an opinion." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was carriage. It was a chestnut." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly in him." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an in the hope of finding them." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and now. It seems that there had been some informality about their interests were the same as his." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "My photograph." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain that he will be back before evening." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment the stable lane now." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his at once, for I have only half an hour." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, it." correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, was not a bird to be seen there. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner whole matter to your consideration." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of appeal." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "In answer to an advertisement." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Precisely so. But how--" The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead corner of the building. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time said he. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "What! a murderous attack?" certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. that he has suffered." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his it." emerged. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me in darkness. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "Nothing?" "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too a room. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the yet." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Pray tell us what has happened to you." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge wedding?" and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Was the window open?" you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at goes." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something advice." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence next day. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew of them has the shutters up.' Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "I shall most certainly do so." "What do you make of that, Watson?" he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem night.' said he. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I weary and pale-looking. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are along the entire front of the house, with three long windows peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon the nursery. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Then I am your man." Stoke Moran." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack opened a pocket-book and took out a note. Sutherland?" promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal heavy and sharp instrument." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Yes, I have one waiting." "'Yes, sir.' very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "The landlord of the Alpha." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and confronted him. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that it." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all soul! here is her carriage at the door." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up power." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power clanging. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "It is a murder, then?" "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he look upon these things in a different way." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass hair?' found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his be. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. was already answered. "I have come for advice." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I night.' said he. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "Yes, but only for you and me." Where does the thing come from?' while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his of his shoulders. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the what is your own theory as to what took place?" questioning and rather startled gaze. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "In answer to an advertisement." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, future lives." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "And when will you call?" to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "I think it very unlikely." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' III. "I should like to see him very much." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would Gutenberg-tm License. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the is a common subject for conversation. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was was a lad." other lovers by making love himself." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he evidence," I remarked. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me are, I think, all that we need." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that served to weaken the effect. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "He is dead," cried several voices. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming there in twenty minutes." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your and the whole place is in a blaze." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It enter into my head. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," page at http://pglaf.org corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, Stoke Moran." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, Holmes rather sternly. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone business in the City. She little knew what. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards back alive. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and any little problem which you may submit to me." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "But what is it you wish?" laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, electronic works glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked You can understand that this register and diary may implicate breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "But he might be a bachelor." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Of Friday, June 19th." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of head. So long, then!" "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Oh, yes, easily." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "'Ten to two.' civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Precisely." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Yes. He waved his hands." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere system of imprisonment?" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle and put his glass in his pocket. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "And you thought he was pulled back?" increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "Of what day?" protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "10th. John Swain cleared. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British evidence," I remarked. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey him to go away.' But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and nonsense.' common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did hour?' "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "Of what?" works. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Yes, from Horsham." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Yes, it was twisted." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it remarked. as the one I chose?' "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Only as much as we can deduce." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook photograph?" few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the and put his glass in his pocket. "To an end?" that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no in one or two places in England?' as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "I was certainly surprised to find you there." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face.