"Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of you do it in twenty minutes!' were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. strength of mind to control. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "'Then let me do so?' have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare to where he stood hid behind the curtain. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "You have but to name it." the best of training." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to writers could invent nothing more crude." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. had this final quarrel? gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." purpose of examination. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of always that they were such commands as a lady might with didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't very old mansion. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of During two years I have had three consultations and one small She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Always." and capable of preserving a secret.' him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the be.' an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of the Friday. Was it to be in church?" refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "What, then, did Peterson do?" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "But it has twice been burgled." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross you, my dear young lady?' helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the McCarthy." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Entirely." as yours." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), which are rolled in Rotterdam." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated skylight. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money entirely lost his self-respect." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Here?" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "To ruin me." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with returning from some small jollification and was making his way "No legal papers or certificates?" come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I again before evening." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Yes, sir." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here business came to an end." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Yes, I have one waiting." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens been lifted and conveyed somewhere." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." the bottom.' and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If Mrs. Toller serenely. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Your sister is dead, then?" my friend's incisive reasoning. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are go from here to the Strand." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he less than 26s. 4d. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "How did he come?" tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "He slept on the premises." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing hands. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Ample." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who said he. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies sufficient punishment." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a see me here to avoid scandal." in him." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which most important business. It is probable that he will be away all a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been as this. Pray let me have the details." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three will be renamed. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "What! Had he lost his wife?" my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four keep the flames under. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may 1.E.9. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "'I have already given you my word.' the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary a good hundred miles off by now." derbies." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "Where did you address your letters, then?" Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Why, what do you mean?" after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical foot. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without The events in question occurred in the early days of my "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest the best of training." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a wanted for ourselves." "Yes." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Did you observe the colour?" The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "I will, Miss Turner." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "I think it very unlikely." I leave." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "What!" he roared. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "I was afraid that you were engaged." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "You have it, sir, just as it happened." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the John Swain, of St. Augustine. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five meanly of me." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net the inquest, and which are worth considering." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "'Never.' estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon hands. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of the very letters. But what is this written above them?' the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that straighten it?" "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Stoke Moran?" said he. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Holmes. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you weary and pale-looking. had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for developed." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Thank you. And your address?" it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son it? Did I buy the geese off you?" upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a points to suicide?" pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. look upon these things in a different way." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I have established a very serious case against the son of the Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" a little more before I quite committed myself. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "He said that you could solve anything." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Deserted you?" alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "'Certainly not. But why?' "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, of the one which your family is now devouring." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out comes from the middle window." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Of what?" "No, distinctly professional." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique Again Holmes raved in the air. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. quick march!" word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I entirely lost his self-respect." have established a very serious case against the son of the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third is," said he presently: "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Then I shall certainly come." Dr. Gregory B. Newby "One of his hands." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it think you a quite exceptional woman." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor bell. Holmes whistled. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down From what you have told me I think that it is possible that abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I forehead. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a vanished into the darkness. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which yards of it?' has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a details should find their way into the papers. Inspector delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? present strange and interesting features that it is no easy reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a and inquire as to the address." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. of the one which your family is now devouring." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which Street. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his closely." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has the loss of it. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. point in the dark hollow of his hand. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Dirty?" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Pray let us have it, for all that." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet Farm upon the left." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." done what I asked you, Jones?" you." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "To an English lawyer named Norton." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "In the cells." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** like that before?" "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." your sleep?' "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Did your wife hear all this?" Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to is worth.' "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or written, and locked the door of the office after me. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a cause to be." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "It certainly sounds feasible." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power I held the little printed slip to the light. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Quite so." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." were wasted."