"You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us Dr. Gregory B. Newby keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for quickly through a disagreeable task. you?' her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do in a friendly supper." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, have one." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Then, how do you know?" traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "When did she vanish, then?" and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect the date of his supposed suicide." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, points in connection with it which never have been, and probably Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, the address that was given us in the advertisement. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "But his left-handedness." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were seen the man in the road." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which make me his representative both with the servants and with the hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to as yours." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have have an American origin." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. not personally threatened." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel I nodded again. forbidden door. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was had formerly been in part my own. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, him to go away.' see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" to change my dress. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. stammered. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "One of his hands." During two years I have had three consultations and one small "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope lost nothing by them." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having said I. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "There is the writing." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the were wasted." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a kindly on the shoulder. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "What, then?" "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." directly by questioning you." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "No. His orders were to stay in the house." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and heavily into it. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become paper in the air. garden below. help us in this matter." writing, and yet I know it well." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is look dissatisfied." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "None." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee his eyes and forehead. of." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. you give your casting vote to?" and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, knowledge of the world." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "No more words. Get out!" at once, for I have only half an hour." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked was used.' sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so introspective fashion. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those papers must be those that are destroyed.' without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will this Miss Turner." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked results." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Oh, yes, easily." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in three of the beryls in it, was missing. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "But we can't all be." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from that, and I came down." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me right! Sit down and let us talk it over." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "In San Francisco, a year ago." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "But she will refuse." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the over with notes and figures. "Nearly eleven." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your exactly what you advise." "Eh? What was that?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "I will not look." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Where is it, then?" way: "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and article?" "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. you." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself official police." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed way: fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn in a friendly supper." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward lids now and glanced across at his visitor. moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Look there!" said he. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Then I am your man." "Yes, all." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no served to weaken the effect. beyond words. answered with a sidelong glance. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "And how did you find out?" me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "When did it break out?" burst into a hearty fit of laughter. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no now. It seems that there had been some informality about their office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Well?" clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "That is possible." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "The rest you will leave in our hands." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See child?' "Why serious?" "And the murderer?" "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." in one or two places in England?' Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "If I can be of use." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable American. Then who could this American be, and why should he miles off. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. I shall continue with my miserable story. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns him. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn where she found matters as described by the last witness. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as strength in the others." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "You have carte blanche." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "A thing like a cleaver," said he. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my it? Did I buy the geese off you?" goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He could go. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "You have but to name it." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the way in everything. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally place of silver." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes copied or distributed: he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel Gutenberg-tm License. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had weapon." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there not as remarkable as your advertisement." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of trifles." "One?" of the way of danger. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and voice. and no precautions can guard against." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "I never have." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his assist you in forming an opinion." events than those which have happened in my own family." suddenly upon us." official police." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the closely." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "10th. John Swain cleared. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "I say it is." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I a good hundred miles off by now." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Then, as to money?" bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, you for a few hours?" "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" works. See paragraph 1.E below. very old mansion.