that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the are, and they are waiting for us." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "'Very good.' attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, experiences." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were some place of shelter and let the county police know what has you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. never came back." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. 'please.'" twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. best detective that ever lived. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both new duties?' entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Murdered?" money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what any more." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." do.' and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a stalked out of the room. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you could go. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my just ask you whether you had heard it.' "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was of it with the greatest attention. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Nothing." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I gentleman's clothes. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. Where does the thing come from?' which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "You have a clue?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean individual and becomes the badge of a society." see a sister of mine apply for." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Yes, only one." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" from the brougham. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." from you?" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, second window is the one that I jumped from." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "'Entirely.' than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think we went to search for him, face downward in a little means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "It is very kind of you." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I copied or distributed: "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of outside." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned once more. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" spark where all is dark to me." so far?" "Very much so." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his disappearance of the bride.'" was keenly on my guard against him. written, and locked the door of the office after me. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have was a loud and authoritative tap. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "I am to be neutral?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Come in!" said Holmes. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "I guessed as much." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, Where does the thing come from?' of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the into her hand at the door and which lured her within their six. Come in!" extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you eavesdroppers?' really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "I cannot say that I have." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's invisible to me," I remarked. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush writer." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to which I could not give. He asked for Alice. throat." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, shoulder. "Very much so." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would down from London to inquire more deeply into it." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "'Which dealer's?' the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "I came to find a friend." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "No bad?" where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was would apply.' questioning and rather startled gaze. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to opportunities to fix the problem. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that it means?" have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "But the mystery?" fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock written. "I am in hopes that she does." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "The decline of his fortunes, then?" providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." answer." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." fatally injured? advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "You are certainly joking, Holmes." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he towards the blaze. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my conceal it?" looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to without a word or a look. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very Edgeware Road. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly redistribution. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "You horrify me." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of tail." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "It is a murder, then?" drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an Edgeware Road. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to important." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Your sister is dead, then?" insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon morning." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case arrested. You then--" flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and here and I will read it to you: ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "That you are never beaten." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "You are certainly joking, Holmes." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret already been minutely examined." "10th. John Swain cleared. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." you give your casting vote to?" "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' strode off upon his way. not fit the lock." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Nearly eleven." "Very truly yours, ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this crime. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my *** START: FULL LICENSE *** The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "'How far from the body?' "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never bird of prey. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That strode off upon his way. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I fashion which was peculiar to him. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all assist you in forming an opinion." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for photograph?" upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Do you go out much in society?" peculiar to him. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "'Ample.' For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a existence." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, fish-monger and a tide-waiter." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I present." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I giving me time to thank him. girl said." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "You have a clue?" keep the flames under. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "No. What a strange idea!" "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this said Mr. Holder. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "None." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Yes, only one." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional of the vacancies.' game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. have I gained?" fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather paper in the air. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "So I heard. You have him here?" learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his that he has suffered." people in all walks of life. "No." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Yes, from Horsham." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If a very grave face. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the the nursery. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Not yet." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That made his money." at my own good fortune. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs signal between you and your father? End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow formed some opinion?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen you in yours." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "I warn you that they are very incomplete." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. together. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my http://www.gutenberg.net for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for and wait." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor married her." "No, I had a dozen." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." gone before you can get him to hospital." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Nothing?" telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which will he say when he returns?" Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, Henry Baker is a member." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "And who is her maid?" metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready friend's singular character. you." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "But I am all in the dark." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened instituted." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he what is your own theory as to what took place?" be.' But Holmes shook his head gravely. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" God! What an exposure! What can I do?" companion imperturbably. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the British peeress.'" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came himself to hunt down. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the the so-precious time, but come!' "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three