that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in better grown goose." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered roused himself from his reverie. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." over with notes and figures. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his very peculiar words of the dying woman?" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "If I can be of use." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to Pope's Court. reach." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "It looks newer than the other things?" mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "I have a cab outside." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an Literary Archive Foundation "The knees of his trousers." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "But I am all in the dark." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." I am not easy in my mind about them." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Not social, then?" for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my bird of prey. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover putting in the horse. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, you for a few hours?" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking 'I should be able to look after that for you.' sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, spark where all is dark to me." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me official police." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's locked." "Why did you beat the pavement?" "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating friends, not even his own brother. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal of the way of danger. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about This is what he says: electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "Yes, but only for you and me." "'You cannot say what it was?' "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank in one or two places in England?' through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make orange pips. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "Yes. He waved his hands." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is only touch the interest." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts little trying to do so much typewriting?" overpowering excitement and concern. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the lips." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "'What are you doing there?' he asked. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to papers diligently of late, have you not?" "None." I. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, the coronet at all injured?" black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a intimate personal affairs in this public manner." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, his cane at the bell-pull. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming salesman. crime. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you matter." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we seven miles from Eyford Station.' precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "I don't say that. Perhaps." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then speckled band?" back alive. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to examine." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Yes." really the only notable feature about the thing." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his disappearance of the bride.'" "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "And the murderer?" "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" Edgeware Road. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." happened." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. and the church but not where the lady lived." strength of mind to control. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little that there was nothing in it, after all." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see notes," he said. married her." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a a room. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "In heaven's name, what for?" the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. cigars in the box." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found things are very often connected not with the larger but with the the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute conclusions. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his Holmes rather sternly. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "What I expected to see." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases over part of the map. "What do you read?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet shaken than I had ever seen him. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "'In my own bureau.' points in connection with it which never have been, and probably floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the was lame." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making fled together." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. of Mr. Rucastle's." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and highly," said Holmes. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" considering the formidable letters which were received by himself upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "That was it, sir." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "And that is--" though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "'Never,' said I. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, again before evening." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "But you would not advise me to refuse?" you." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "But who is he?" narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I have not had my rubber." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Yes, it would be as well." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found of receipt of the work. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Frequently." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "And I." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should tightly behind him. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "ARAT," I read. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from fait accompli?" photograph?" The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Yes." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon entirely lost his self-respect." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face observed. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be your most interesting statement." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more once more on the important position which you have been fortunate The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "Never." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "No." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, delighted to hear it," he said. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Yes, it was twisted." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. forecastle of an emigrant ship. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk prepare for the new role I have to play." "Yes." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" salesman. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, vault. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. been deceived." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire this truth that in these little records of our cases which you seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "But I am all in the dark." you." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings waste of energy." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have ceremony." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." interest. They are important, you understand, without being matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been than was visible to me." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "What will you say?" because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "I am all attention, madam." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "I am still in the dark." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. salesman. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable colonel looking down at me. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "I have come for advice." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible ashen face. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table cigar and let me expound." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "But your client--" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too so far?" streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Perhaps we may make them less so." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "I shall most certainly do so." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear of note-paper. It read in this fashion: one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "'There is a drive, then?' so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and points to suicide?" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the too. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we