and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The your most interesting statement." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I know that the truth is known." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of wall." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking death." them?" yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out the coronet in his hands?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "What is it, then--a fire?" they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your discontent upon his features. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, in darkness. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "No, finished." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by direction." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both troubles have been weighing upon his mind. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the meant." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I burst out into a roar of laughter. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "One?" in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being chemical work which was so dear to him. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No said I. evidence," I remarked. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "It is possible." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot fasten all the windows?" eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call bird I ate is country bred." the running down." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that spare." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately astonishment. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger there when the Rucastles went away." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for whatever might befall. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Bought." tell him that I know him to be innocent." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which retorted upon me, and I on you." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "And on what day did he meet his death?" your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "He disappeared so suddenly." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some congenial hunt. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "What can it mean?" I gasped. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the seen the man in the road." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Then you may entirely rely on me." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready morning." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that it means?" Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Perfectly so." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "No sign of it?" call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed when you have done it." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have goes." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "But to whom?" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "My dear Holmes!" before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "You were travelling in the States?" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Then how many are there?" "'Very good.' "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm know that the truth is known." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. overpowering excitement and concern. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "A thing like a cleaver," said he. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with went to the Alpha were town bred." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the Arthur Conan Doyle "Not social, then?" little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way could not have written that. It is the German who is so burst out into a roar of laughter. awkward doing business with an alias." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right Edgeware Road. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Here?" once more for Briony Lodge. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Yes, certainly." your Highness to the police-station?" given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, if only as a check to my own memory." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would guilty one." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with garden below. "'Ample.' this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had miles off. "I shall be delighted." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Did your wife hear all this?" pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea developed." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for page at http://pglaf.org nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "No, but the enclosure is." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder six. Come in!" both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael the one as in the other." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that up this clue while it is still hot." "Absolutely none." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine tear off another piece?' with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master outsides of the windows. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see foresight and the moral retrogression?" The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "It's nothing of the kind." you in yours." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between individual and becomes the badge of a society." politicians who had been sent down from the North. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a arms and began to sob in a high treble key. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church the devil!" then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "'Stolen!' he cried. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the Holmes' room. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary tension within him. was lame." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project there when the Rucastles went away." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Come in!" said Holmes. your troubles." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "'In my own bureau.' moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing depend upon your compliance." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Her father is very rich?" came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some without success. At last the little money which I had saved began while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "It is very clear." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence long narrative. the general public were present, then?" room had already been engaged for us. "Then, as to money?" my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "Nothing." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, whole matter to your consideration." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, events, Mr. Windibank!" "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Do you know him?" about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events strength of mind to control. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his are windows in it, of course?" "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are people in all walks of life. wedding?" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "It looks newer than the other things?" time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "Yes." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the attention." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the chance at all." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried directors have had misgivings upon the subject." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon quite distinctive." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the had a long day." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Oh, yes, easily." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. which was all perfectly true. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I page at http://pglaf.org fear." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he danger is over." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat late." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" derbies." him. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would again before evening." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. looking up at the numbers of the houses." breakfast?" deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which his grey eyes. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a unkempt, staring out at me. "Married! When?" Sutherland. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long nonsense.' wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons really the only notable feature about the thing." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns really the only notable feature about the thing." the morning and make my own way in the world.' would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, that?' "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest question," said Holmes, smiling. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain that the gas is not laid on in his house?" Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be lamp. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to minor matters until to-morrow." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you one's self under obligations.' "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or think, you have already met." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." a room. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to Leave Paddington by the 11:15." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Yes, sir." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is prisoner's face. "Come in!" said he. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they you." "You forget that I know nothing about it." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was companion imperturbably. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "Yes, that is the Crown." know all about it," he snarled. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before paper in the air. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Did you become engaged then?" without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough her also." delighted to hear it," he said. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to straighten it?" have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "You have but to name it." some terrible trap for her." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my in. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Not I." "'Yes, it was gone.' Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Holmes. emerged. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a Holmes' thin, eager face. "It is true that I have been generally successful." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went