it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the foot. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "It certainly sounds feasible." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such giving me time to thank him. "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or clanging. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "I have seen the police." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. second window is the one that I jumped from." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the laugh and put his lips to my ear. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "That was it, sir." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of clanging. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "You have a clue?" would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, noble correspondent could be. whatever might befall. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight train.' has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We States. "Ample." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "I never have." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, to a more successful conclusion." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this again." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "It is possible." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "We must have a cab." call you and give you the chance." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a upon the sideboard." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, room had already been engaged for us. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would foot. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "It goes to the housekeeper's room." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of 1.E.9. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Precisely." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding I think that I could be of assistance to you." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need arrangements." "The vanishing of the lady." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once morning." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "No." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry politicians who had been sent down from the North. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that I have it here in my museum." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this distinguish the words: used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "He disappeared so suddenly." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even fire. You quite follow me?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock Eyford at 11:15.' Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "But I am all in the dark." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "'Tell me all about it,' said I. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." congratulate you again." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a http://gutenberg.net/license). struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it guilty one." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "You think that he is dead?" A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "How many? I don't know." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced considering the formidable letters which were received by himself beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in that threaten you." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my the coronet at all injured?" the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Just look it up, then." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was have established a very serious case against the son of the contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to and a shock of very red hair. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "She showed me, as I told you she would." "None." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through acquaintance?" hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. as he folded up the epistle. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I you in your example." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "No sign of it?" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of what is your own theory as to what took place?" down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately Holmes." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "I am armed." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet strong and stiff." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up is a common subject for conversation. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another mystery!" "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "The doctor?" January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Yes." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the their singular warning or token before them when starting upon of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in could gather together that I was able to avert another public scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner and no precautions can guard against." "You are all wrong." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "On Monday." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what breakfast?" But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself Count Von Kramm." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than and I shall be with you presently." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in served to weaken the effect. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in prison!" "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried closing the door. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not nonsense.' "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to ventilator." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles relation between them, and what the object of his repeated alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his which I could not give. He asked for Alice. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, envelope. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "And who is her maid?" was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I lamp. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "And what then?" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "You horrify me!" me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "I have a cab outside." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "One of the highest in England." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "'What do you call purely nominal?' "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "9th. McCauley cleared. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after power." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by Holmes rather sternly. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "She will not sell." over with notes and figures. then?" "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my God! What an exposure! What can I do?" Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the so-precious time, but come!' seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from at home. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you correct than the official force." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to of a light. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "I came to find a friend." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "I say that I have solved it." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "My photograph." "And what did you learn from him?" week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. 11:15.' shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to leave you to your papers for a little." the window, rose as we entered. signal between you and your father? collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" British peeress.'" "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "'Never.' "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "But you would not advise me to refuse?" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon himself to tell his story. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "I assure you that I am in your hands." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with details should find their way into the papers. Inspector he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Never." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "That sounds a little paradoxical." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped lost his Christmas dinner." "Deserted you?" at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he purpose of examination. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "This photograph!" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else the matter?" gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now have I gained?" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil peculiar to him. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." to some other building. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same noting anything else of interest. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left