about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "I promise," said Holmes. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied colonel looking down at me. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "How did you deduce the select?" experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort will not take me long to tell. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly is so. I know all about McCarthy." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' shag which I had seen upon the previous night. golden eyeglasses. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his http://gutenberg.net/license). his face which made him a very different person to the round, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point at home. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little crackling voice. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls laugh and put his lips to my ear. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open it." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his place no limit on the sum I may draw." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "It came here." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing might help us?" Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of strength in the others." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing you." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "My photograph." fasten all the windows?" road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "Yes, there are nearly always some there." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." II. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up quick march!" showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' electronic works conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the detained." "And now?" I asked. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "When did she vanish, then?" did not hear it also.' He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through that you saw all that I did." all that?" "I cannot think." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the to change my dress. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. hour." me." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't was feeling which was the fattest.' "I should wish to." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "You have carte blanche." in. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I prove to be little relation between the different incidents of name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 into her hand at the door and which lured her within their that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich tension within him. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just in the dead of the night?' "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "I assure you that I am in your hands." this man was intellectual?" shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the the one as in the other." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the developed." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City DISSOLVED. at a side door. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be During two years I have had three consultations and one small before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with miles off. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Did your wife hear all this?" the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without upon an income of about 60 pounds." feature." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an ourselves in the office." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "'Oh, no.' Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez because she had spent so short a time in this country that she occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "'Tell me all about it,' said I. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. the King without delay." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "I cannot say that I have." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, page at http://pglaf.org which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the a monotonous occupation." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which made him keep the appointment." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Very. But will he see it?" "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have Henry Baker is a member." quite distinctive." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with Street. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Dr. Becher's." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "What, then, did Peterson do?" not fit the lock." new acquaintance to Baker Street. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "What is it, then--a fire?" this remarkable episode. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "I will not look." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "From his hat?" hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and salesman. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her to where he stood hid behind the curtain. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you be there in time for your coming." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's Sholtos." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "You are hungry," I remarked. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just the iron safe, which he closed upon it. girl said." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "I will do it." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might flock.' sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they that you can jump it.' to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly case before our client came into the room." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "You think that he is dead?" until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I been with you?" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' the driver. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. himself in a perplexing position. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn made his money." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "'Then let me do so?' "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the directly by questioning you." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the meant it for the best. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "No, my brougham is waiting." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Oh, yes, easily." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "I have seen the police." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert the roots. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom will take you up to see the machine.' chair. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project affair. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "I cannot say that I have." side. chance at all." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Texas, I think." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "How often?" muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "He might." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "But how will you look?" that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of a good hundred miles off by now." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "'Which dealer's?' A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Where did you address your letters, then?" when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and really the only notable feature about the thing." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "The landlord of the Alpha." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up written, and locked the door of the office after me. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small behind me. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always into the bag, and made for the door. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "I have a cab outside." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "'Which dealer's?' "Yes, sir." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for were unconscious?" "Stoke Moran?" said he. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Not I." "What are they?" slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Her father is very rich?" of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire maid will bring up your coffee." "It certainly sounds feasible." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring simple cases which are so extremely difficult." narrative." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "What will you do, then?" spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "But how will you look?" "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel enter into my head. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed have not had my rubber." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "No, distinctly professional." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "The landlord of the Alpha." had a long day." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "To an end?" the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding particular state visit http://pglaf.org there is a decided draught." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "'Most admirably.' accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw But Holmes shook his head gravely. "You were travelling in the States?" cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main way in everything. "Where, then, is my wife?" "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so a good hundred miles off by now." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any extraordinary contortions. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they