fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, said Mr. Holder. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point chamber." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. how narrow had been my escape. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round attention." "A call for help, you thought?" have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a be there in time for your coming." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes crime." "She walked into the breakfast-room." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see I have it here in my museum." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been keep the flames under. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of companion. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your purpose of examination. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in Doctor, of the paper and the date." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his fluttered off among the others. "In San Francisco, a year ago." bearing upon the case." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, noting anything else of interest. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate families. Now for the facts. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can something of him before." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Ah, but I was recommended to you." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away call the police, let the police find what they can.' "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but is," said he presently: note?" "I never have." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the a monotonous occupation." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow him." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Did you become engaged then?" woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Surrey." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "I should wish to." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "I think it very unlikely." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "'Oh, no.' "Yes." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Never." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should certainly do as you advise." I took the paper from him and read as follows: that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as felt?" "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of records." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and present." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible sufficient punishment." "It certainly sounds feasible." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible http://www.gutenberg.net desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway of it with the greatest attention. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Where, indeed?" lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Yes, from Horsham." "I will try. What is it?" when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might is now desirous of getting those letters back." telegram would bring me down to your help." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Did you observe the colour?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" your bag." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's nonsense.' "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "I cannot say that I have." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little of the one which your family is now devouring." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Entirely." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general matter." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "A client, then?" pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the second window is the one that I jumped from." absorbing." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less case before our client came into the room." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "Oh, yes, easily." vault. "I would pay ten." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me copied or distributed: reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "'Quite sure, dad.' "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "I have come for advice." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the call for protection in the marriage market, for the present conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the highly," said Holmes. retorted upon me, and I on you." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my such attractions and accomplishments?' I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. see me here to avoid scandal." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would nothing of it?" "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Oh, the cause is excellent!" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I entirely devoid of interest." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Absolutely?" ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which or other trace. But how on earth--" License. You must require such a user to return or "The King of Scandinavia." "None. Neville wrote those words." "It surprised me." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured been lifted and conveyed somewhere." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is key turn in the lock." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my Serpentine Avenue. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked his knees, staring into the fire. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days the tragedy. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it unprecedented a position." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to been with you?" was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past people in all walks of life. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "It missed him, then?" man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "By no means." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a the inner apartment." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you likely to be some crony of the landlady's." discontent upon his features. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man Dr. Gregory B. Newby journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Not him." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Yes." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a my room." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with What do you deduce from it?" He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is Project Gutenberg-tm works. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But October 9, 1890. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." respectable self." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "And why?" "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "She walked into the breakfast-room." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient indiscretion." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. to-night?" I asked. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at never will be, entirely cleared up. ago." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "I should be immensely obliged to you." tell me that you intended to go into harness." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "Get out!" said he. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "What shall I do?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Where is it, then?" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "'Never.' "Eh? What was that?" London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. electronic works analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news furiously. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" that writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "And you don't know his address?" perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. have I gained?" "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, heavy and sharp instrument." "Has he come with you to-night?" for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment presume?" few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is unprofitable." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a infinite languor in his face. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "What can you not understand?" "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "'Ten to two.' "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "No, I had a dozen." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to companion imperturbably. "It looks newer than the other things?" charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and had picked up in the wood. strength of mind to control. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before look upon these things in a different way." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put people don't know." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "I am to be neutral?" which we had just quitted. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Did you become engaged then?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the But Holmes shook his head gravely. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to.