Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, out." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden The police have openly confessed that they can at present make wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it trying to your nerves." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man orange pips. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Where is it, then?" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made problems help me to do so." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his it." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Can I be of assistance?" it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, together. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for himself to hunt down. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than this man was intellectual?" prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre name is different." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "In heaven's name, what for?" should be so warm over such a trifle." Stoke Moran." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my States. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his Edgeware Road. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then she has been waylaid. There has been no result." down. "How did you deduce the select?" the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. legal crime." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very case-book, which he consulted. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "'Then let me do so?' enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been such attractions and accomplishments?' adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "You have compromised yourself seriously." "One?" "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham secret." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she second window is the one that I jumped from." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "And when will you call?" Lestrade of Scotland Yard." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "You horrify me." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is you understand?" merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did my room." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Was he the only applicant?" relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "My last client of the sort was a king." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time all that?" When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off relief. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for indiscretion." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "And did you observe any change in her then?" may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice about here speaks of his kindness to him." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, James Windibank. Voilà tout!" as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear bare slabs of marble. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was Holmes' thin, eager face. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? without success. At last the little money which I had saved began the Assizes." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as followed. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "And how did you verify them?" multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would very old mansion. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had into the room. open." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of at once, for I have only half an hour." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" once more. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It little adventures." direction." south, for the country is more deserted there." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. is so. I know all about McCarthy." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the fire. You quite follow me?" the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" for and were ordered to this address. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a The King stared at him in amazement. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "You have it, sir, just as it happened." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him written. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Breckinridge is his name." "None." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Were they all fastened this morning?" houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely threw himself down with his face to the pillow. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could it means?" "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, what is your own theory as to what took place?" unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his that before taking the final step I should like to submit the off." his face. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry once more to my work. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "No, distinctly professional." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." writing, and yet I know it well." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help now. It seems that there had been some informality about their ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major helping a boy to put up the shutters. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. http://www.gutenberg.net "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "We were both in the photograph." away to you." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Really! You surprise me." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "'Not at all. I only doubt--' patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one good-night and bustled off upon her way. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "It is possible." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Oh, yes, easily." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we quick march!" with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has fear." extraordinary contortions. both be extremely obliged.' minor matters until to-morrow." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Were they all fastened this morning?" "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For new duties?' crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. go back?" Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been speckled band?" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for in the dead of the night?' in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Of Friday, June 19th." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw man. I know him from the photograph." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project depend upon my doing so.' which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few and wait." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right union?" bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not ways including including checks, online payments and credit card little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were just ask you whether you had heard it.' not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Proceed, then." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest at my own good fortune. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew opened a pocket-book and took out a note. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, do.' Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent and files of the old papers, following the future career of every are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "I beg pardon." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my his huge brown hands. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" fact, we may call it conclusive." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Oh, fresh and glossy." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes wedding?" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have charge against him will break down." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very thought that she would have been so carried away." about. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Yes. He waved his hands." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you of campaign. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. place no limit on the sum I may draw." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and never will be, entirely cleared up. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of the inner apartment." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed whether it answered to the description of any of their pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing Lee, in the county of Kent." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "He said too much." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself he died? "Yes." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows been deceived." other means.' "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to signal between you and your father? business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "'It is locked up,' I answered. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped one which it was hard to resist. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I it with his own hands." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the already been minutely examined." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. will take you up to see the machine.' would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning a room. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she