practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist indiscretion." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the spare." jewels which you have stolen?' all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Why did you beat the pavement?" said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "'How far from the body?' station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a experiences." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She I am not easy in my mind about them." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the extraordinary contortions. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "Come in!" said he. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, of receipt of the work. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second off." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. that I am arrested." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is Serpentine Avenue. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. a room. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his might have a private word with us. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that forebodings. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had intimate personal affairs in this public manner." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between lost his Christmas dinner." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his what do you think they found in the pockets?" are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. easy-going way." helping a boy to put up the shutters. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, politicians who had been sent down from the North. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "'Never.' this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "No, I had a dozen." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had people in all walks of life. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Ha! you find it so?" "And I to find an enemy." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "How often?" time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by quite distinctive." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and his fortune, and I went back to pa. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "I would pay ten." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: go from here to the Strand." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "But you would not advise me to refuse?" Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her it? Did I buy the geese off you?" widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which six. Come in!" smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Yes, sir." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "My stepfather's business papers." disappearance of the bride.'" still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" footfalls from the street. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Will you bet, then?" there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is your equipment. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at she used." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down nothing with him." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your my little problems." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a such person." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could said he, "my real name is James Ryder." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Yes, I have one waiting." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Then the page we have seen--" commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Not yet." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" you." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. have one." telegram would bring me down to your help." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which you want, then?' large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always at my remark. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Certainly." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to late!' "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Whose house is it?" "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "How often?" be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country front of me. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "To the police?" beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned speckled band?" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Yes." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or absolutely follow my advice in every respect." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I easy-going way." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage down from London to inquire more deeply into it." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up been shamefully used." morning." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled locked." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced fat-encircled eyes. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if speckled band?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for never will be, entirely cleared up. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Seven!" I answered. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' gbnewby@pglaf.org done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "10th. John Swain cleared. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "It is very clear." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with The summons was a brief and urgent one. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he *** START: FULL LICENSE *** and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. which are rolled in Rotterdam." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "We have tried and failed." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project but preventing her from injuring another. do." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to it. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "Yes, but only for you and me." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "You were travelling in the States?" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a national property. I was determined that the law should have its this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and with some details as to your case." memory. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder answered with a sidelong glance. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable which it had come upon my father." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the hard-headed British jury." amused." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your simple cases which are so extremely difficult." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door promised to bring home. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "The Cedars?" With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "And I." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and of the one which your family is now devouring." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. gone. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open which I could not give. He asked for Alice. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' nights." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "Was she in good spirits?" "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, of your young ladies.' "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. I approached. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "But it has twice been burgled." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the way: words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out particular state visit http://pglaf.org consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house grasp, he hurried from the room. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "9th. McCauley cleared. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "And why in hopes?" loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce never came back." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the Miss Holder?" and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Yes, sir." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The at a side door. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his the little opening for the ventilator is." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the shadow pass over his face as I spoke. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the Young McCarthy must be got off, however." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me golden eyeglasses. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads matter." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "No, I had a dozen." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to instituted." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and letters?" goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our not fit the lock." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle events than those which have happened in my own family." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at wedding?" alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that come either from the window or the door. My attention was "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not of Mr. Rucastle's." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "When did it break out?" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are Stoke Moran." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, maid will bring up your coffee." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "And the cigar-holder?" trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "And that is--" at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly.