"No." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point you want, then?' If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "You know me, then?" me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "No, I had a dozen." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, developed." "'Where to?' all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "I have solved it." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, without a word or a look. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "'Then let me do so?' her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general exactly what you advise." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of bachelor.' Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Pray tell us what has happened to you." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes and your relations to her." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." Holmes." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "I should like to see him very much." ceremony." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in Literary Archive Foundation remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the God! What an exposure! What can I do?" laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a your troubles." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the be. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he maid will bring up your coffee." key of the affair now." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "'Yes, it was gone.' "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "You have the photograph?" my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the learned something! Where are the gems?" news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "The knees of his trousers." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, closely." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "At what time?" He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "And how have you succeeded?" Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "I will get her to show me." his knees, staring into the fire. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with do.' I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, success. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," laugh and put his lips to my ear. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a I shall continue with my miserable story. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction my secret was safe in his possession. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! papers on the sundial.'" swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Pray continue your narrative." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the good-night and bustled off upon her way. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Bought." passage and a tap at the door. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a ourselves in the office." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and she used." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, answered with a sidelong glance. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project that I can to serve you." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had better in every way that they should make their position a little homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Not in the least." "By all means." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "You know me, then?" "Where, then?" "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of joking. "Where is it, then?" "Then, how do you know?" that there was nothing in it, after all." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "You are hungry," I remarked. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that results." when your master had gone out." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down his fortune, and I went back to pa. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Yes, there are nearly always some there." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark letters?" It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as I shall communicate with you." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his the armchair which I pushed forward for him. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official against a man in the prime of life?" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do before the coroner and the police-court." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and closing the door. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Yes." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "He might." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, our word." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little awkward doing business with an alias." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If empty. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always to a more successful conclusion." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "One of his hands." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out bears upon the case?" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "You are certainly joking, Holmes." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I gone before you can get him to hospital." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "A thing like a cleaver," said he. the matter?" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, my room." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" which we had just quitted. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable suspect him." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the lamp in his hand. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in companion imperturbably. that, and I came down." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "We have tried and failed." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "My dear Holmes!" absorbing." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A writers could invent nothing more crude." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Witness: Nothing definite. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is 11:15.' in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was 1.E.9. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall too. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern one which it was hard to resist. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone points to suicide?" and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for just ask you whether you had heard it.' Holmes' thin, eager face. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in might have a private word with us. mystery!" which was all perfectly true. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and orange pips. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "I will get her to show me." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the voice, changing her seat as requested. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the together. ways of our fellow-men." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the investigation." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell the child." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and back to my heart. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Was he the only applicant?" forbidden door. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "Witness: Nothing definite. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting and looked back. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it http://www.gutenberg.net the bed, and you in that chair." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "It is solved." child?' to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, companion. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the and inquire as to the address." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be that there was nothing in it, after all." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was very old mansion. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the your equipment. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some was shining brightly. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, quick march!" "I shall be delighted." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "No, I am descending." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, before the coroner and the police-court." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will presented which may be striking and bizarre without being make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into tell him that I know him to be innocent." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" careless servant girl?" soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "What, then, did Peterson do?" anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, crime." chemical work which was so dear to him. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "'Certainly not.' might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Yes." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all him!" reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "And Irene Adler?" his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "No. His orders were to stay in the house." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, problems help me to do so." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' see me here to avoid scandal." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "So I heard. You have him here?" to Leatherhead. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country photograph?" iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from