Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. minor matters until to-morrow." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional out of this horrible affair." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "And why in hopes?" have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, chair. "She told me to ask you." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding mysterious business." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the them?" manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of read it out to me." charge against him will break down." three fields round his house, and there he would take his public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one head. So long, then!" written, and locked the door of the office after me. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his just called myself is not exactly my own." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number the side-table." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the and looked back. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez extraordinary contortions. "The rest you will leave in our hands." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness answer." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and tied." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Yes." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked the matter." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "Yes." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "Nothing." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "Just look it up, then." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER you." in. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in that he will be back before evening." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is room. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free crowd. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden in a very precise fashion." "Yes. He waved his hands." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just yet." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." the coroner come to?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the was feeling which was the fattest.' you, my dear young lady?' The summons was a brief and urgent one. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "But she could not love him." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of hair?' the loss of it. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, light and attacked it." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. you for a few hours?" need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. been." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "Your presence might be invaluable." outbreak?" "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her vault. "But your client--" presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean heavy and sharp instrument." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by where she found matters as described by the last witness. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the bell. Holmes whistled. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other some water from a caraffe. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who row." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." the inner apartment." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid thin legs towards the fire. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "I would pay ten." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would nice household for a young lady." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That is acting for the best. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "And now?" I asked. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with charged with?" carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "'What do you call purely nominal?' spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to annoyance, but no jest. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "And what did you learn from him?" of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, very morning of my second wedding." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the of note-paper. It read in this fashion: fled together." awkward doing business with an alias." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "My last client of the sort was a king." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. directly by questioning you." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "If so, much may have happened between." remarked. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "You are all wrong." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my matters immensely." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "I am still in the dark." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Have you good authority for what you say?" "Yes." mystery." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "I don't believe it." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "That is unusual in a young girl." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning ceremony." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. bird of prey. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "By no means." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP which it had come upon my father." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Then he might have called to you?" months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were residence of the great financier. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She matters immensely." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." copied or distributed: Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I for and were ordered to this address. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the orange pips. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Who by?" generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no danger is over." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my what I may call a really hard day's work." depend upon your compliance." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm him!" the driver. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black shoulder. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, union?" would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive that I may have something better before very many minutes are surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do conceal it?" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your plantation.' "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it me upon any point which I do not make clear." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. dates and names. "Where did you address your letters, then?" fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Very truly yours, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Do you go out much in society?" very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." may never be exposed to such a temptation." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "But what will you do?" while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "To ruin me." is so. I know all about McCarthy." as he folded up the epistle. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, The King stared at him in amazement. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still in the hope of finding them." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in gone before you can get him to hospital." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Always." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Witness: I must still refuse. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his his huge brown hands. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Yes." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his that?' nonsense.' Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "I never have." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Oh, fresh and glossy." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "It missed him, then?" and looked back. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Here?" home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. ago." "My last client of the sort was a king." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "I came to find a friend." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, delighted to hear it," he said. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but photograph?" the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Nearly eleven." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in weighed down with some great anxiety. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the said he at last. late." upon the white wrist. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you to miss it." "Who was the criminal, then?" sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Nothing?" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark thin, with a long, sharp nose?" shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand good-night and bustled off upon her way. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that again before evening." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only