introspective fashion. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "How did that help you?" "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "Perhaps I have." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "'Where to?' "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a trying to your nerves." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Leadenhall Street--and--" in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary round and wave him away like that.' a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "And for present expenses?" five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "And why in hopes?" father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on redistribution. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my could go. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you Heh?' sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with are, I think, all that we need." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf voice, changing her seat as requested. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you foot. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had flock.' "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. Surrey." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him room?" could gather together that I was able to avert another public was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "I cannot think." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Well." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "No, I had a dozen." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view affair. "I cannot as yet see any connection." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Doctor, of the paper and the date." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a the tragedy. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, green of the new foliage. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Then you may be so with me." "No, distinctly professional." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of my room." "I am all attention, madam." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with burst out into a roar of laughter. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so putting in the horse. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my it with his own hands." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over with you alone." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "At the wedding breakfast." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is before the coroner and the police-court." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "I am following you closely," I answered. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as client, rising. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "It came here." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to Street. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" some terrible trap for her." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round been." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much the house with me." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my fact, we may call it conclusive." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and sneer upon his pale face. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "What then?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "You horrify me!" square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. whatever might befall. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the helping a boy to put up the shutters. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "But who is he?" "It's nothing of the kind." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "'I am sure that I do not know.' correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the where she found matters as described by the last witness. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "I will do it." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no over here." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "It was an hour's good drive." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "It's nothing of the kind." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "Why did you pick him?" back into the street. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for envelope. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock long narrative. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key here." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you without a word or a look. "But his lameness?" "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you come either from the window or the door. My attention was as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Well, it is a possible supposition." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis a suggestive one." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By father's young wife. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An has little to do with my story." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots father's place of business?" first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that visitors." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people beg that you will break it off." go--none." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst know all about it," he snarled. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "'Tell me all about it,' said I. something of him before." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as directly by questioning you." cup of tea. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in taking in every detail of the apartment. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of what is your own theory as to what took place?" I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Yes." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "How on earth--" were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "How many? I don't know." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the gives a meaning to it." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his was it brought him the coronet? determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "In what way?" asked Holmes. "It is possible." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Not social, then?" "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Stoke Moran?" said he. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows For additional contact information: fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a burst out into a roar of laughter. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in present." "But what will you do?" Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Get out!" said he. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but I am not easy in my mind about them." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Absolutely?" in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon a suggestive one." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong name is different." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given intrusion of other matters." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Pray do so." "Texas, I think." face and glided from the room. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin union?" "And you don't know his address?" see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "One of his hands." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the address. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special remarked. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend this Miss Turner." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" enough to aid us in our search." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, followed. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat Lee, in the county of Kent." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "So I heard. You have him here?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for beyond words. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he once more. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such photograph a cabinet?" room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood better grown goose." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being to surprise her." "When did it break out?" trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Was there a secret marriage?" "Precisely." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." salesman. "I answered that I had not. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his chill to my heart. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated child?' to some other building. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even back into the street. During two years I have had three consultations and one small first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "There is the writing." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be back alive. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Awake, Watson?" he asked. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house the inquest, and which are worth considering." "No, but the enclosure is." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide confronted him. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened the one as in the other." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "One of the highest in England." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "How about poison?" for securing the situation." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "I am still in the dark." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "How on earth--" there is a decided draught." and no precautions can guard against." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic long narrative. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal said he. on in his house." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the weary and pale-looking. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "My opinion is in no way altered." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "It is to him that this trophy belongs." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my leave you to your papers for a little." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who do.' go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he spark where all is dark to me." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The