it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is placed his cuttings. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "And I." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have against a man in the prime of life?" "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "'Which dealer's?' "It goes to the housekeeper's room." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he be there in time for your coming." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and there was no need for father to know." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "A confidential servant?" the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining towards the blaze. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "'Not at all. I only doubt--' clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you problems help me to do so." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." Edgeware Road. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were be. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some writers could invent nothing more crude." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of undoubtedly my uncle's." "And help." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he details should find their way into the papers. Inspector ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT of campaign. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Entirely." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "But what is it you wish?" manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting thin legs towards the fire. "I do." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson the child." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It ways of our fellow-men." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "Two days later this same performance was gone through under leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "It must be recovered." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of me." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." call you and give you the chance." you." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be voice, changing her seat as requested. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such of fine shops and stately business premises that they really that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "How on earth--" once more. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears you." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove burst into a hearty fit of laughter. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that crime. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime Literary Archive Foundation populous neighbourhood." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was made him keep the appointment." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Seven!" I answered. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and forecastle of an emigrant ship. a little more before I quite committed myself. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we likely to be some crony of the landlady's." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "My dear Holmes!" Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "'Certainly not. But why?' chamber." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me in the hope of finding them." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the maid will bring up your coffee." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly ordinary clothes on?" along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out that I am arrested." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, written. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged might have a private word with us. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "And leave your case unfinished?" that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' floor. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "And how?" step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "I see many objections to any such theory." ago." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See you." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have again, where I was soon asleep. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of do you make of it all?" ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the outsides of the windows. province." "But his lameness?" Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." least a fellow-countryman. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave pictures, libraries, or plate. waste of energy." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so he died? of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and awkward doing business with an alias." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my particular state visit http://pglaf.org open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "Have you her photograph?" knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very had a long day." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from For additional contact information: on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. are windows in it, of course?" ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "But how did you gain them?" opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "Then how many are there?" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what mysterious business." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that enter Dr. Roylott's room." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the Miss Holder?" There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of then?" was already answered. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose Miss Holder?" it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** salesman. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate constraint." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," pierced for earrings?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from foot. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, and capable of preserving a secret.' Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." to tell." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late away to you." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, digesting their breakfasts at home." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign said I. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from we went to search for him, face downward in a little was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "Here?" details." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Indeed! Whose, then?" have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "It was an hour's good drive." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, death." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," weary and pale-looking. Henry Baker is a member." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire most important business. It is probable that he will be away all not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, second." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, matter over." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his call you and give you the chance." do.' observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and compunction about shooting them down." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and Heh?' Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and questioning and rather startled gaze. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever noise which awoke you from your sleep?" 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, and effective." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "I cannot tell." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with be best to do. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "In what way?" asked Holmes. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. his grey eyes. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in subject to the trademark license, especially commercial chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with her also." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "You have it, sir, just as it happened." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his and files of the old papers, following the future career of every Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about views." "'There is a drive, then?' poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the most interesting one." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of that he has suffered." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "You are all wrong." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of straighten it?" thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for do." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is are windows in it, of course?" look dissatisfied." looking up at the numbers of the houses." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Here?" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At tapping his fingers upon the table. returning from some small jollification and was making his way have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she