"I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Why, what do you mean?" "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet be best to do. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "Yes, only one." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It call for protection in the marriage market, for the present the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as the salesman. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, guilty one." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could pierced for earrings?" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my right! Sit down and let us talk it over." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and waste of energy." Countess of Morcar's?" the one as in the other." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Your sister is dead, then?" there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Then, how do you know?" somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Yes, it would be as well." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "The Coroner: What do you mean? should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the The King stared at him in amazement. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Pray do so." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become companion. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel clang of the bell. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I direction." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Yes, certainly." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "A client, then?" "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' suspect him." "Who was the criminal, then?" leave you to your papers for a little." danger is over." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Stoke Moran?" said he. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "'Oh, no.' I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Murdered?" year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "They are typewritten," I remarked. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "Married! When?" few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Always." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, our word." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "And how have you succeeded?" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned lost his Christmas dinner." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind get her out of the way." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had and prosperity to your house. Good-night." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "When did it break out?" "That is possible." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my wedding?" "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "By all means." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had never to learn it at all." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at Holmes rather sternly. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public foot. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a learned something! Where are the gems?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the has little to do with my story." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "ARAT," I read. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "Yes, that is the Crown." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "How did he come?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece to have that photograph." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Did you become engaged then?" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and copied or distributed: shall use the carriage to-night." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought fact, we may call it conclusive." "And what did you learn from him?" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, and the whole place is in a blaze." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should fire. You quite follow me?" back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor very morning of my second wedding." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and hardly wander." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after in one or two places in England?' has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Pray let us have it, for all that." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my we went to search for him, face downward in a little "She told me to ask you." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "I have my revolver," said I. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who carried out of court." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin photograph?" of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more said I. entirely devoid of interest." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." bled considerably." "Absolutely none." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business 11:15.' in this way: finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "I am following you closely," I answered. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "What I expected to see." are, and they are waiting for us." Where does the thing come from?' "Why serious?" many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' visitors." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very vanished into the darkness. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do you do it in twenty minutes!' WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum both be extremely obliged.' "'Then let me do so?' seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "I don't believe it." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. conclusions. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "I promise," said Holmes. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "And how did you find out?" "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in six. Come in!" business." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "What I expected to see." when your master had gone out." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic particular state visit http://pglaf.org go--none." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at matters immensely." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "No more words. Get out!" "What! You do not mean bodies?" There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen lips." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house row." persecution?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was carried out of court." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "And how in the world did you find them?" were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." back alive. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for visitors." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months you in your example." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His crowd. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and I. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "No, I think that I'll take it." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Have you it here?" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with directly by questioning you." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, light and attacked it." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything mystery may be cleared along those lines." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer next day. 'please.'" us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "'What do you call purely nominal?' with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was sneer upon his pale face. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. 1.E.9. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was in a friendly supper." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself entirely lost his self-respect." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was and I shall be with you presently." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. it." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I said he. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he country, and eventually married, without anyone having a my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, foot. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear thirty. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "What is it?" "How did you deduce the select?" the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "You think that he is dead?" drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad soul! here is her carriage at the door." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "What is it, then--a fire?" Does that suggest anything?" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "You have the photograph?" our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. gives a meaning to it." Have you good authority for what you say?" where we are going." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, one's self under obligations.' and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, opened a pocket-book and took out a note. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "But you would not advise me to refuse?" they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have to me. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." was not a bird to be seen there. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "'Then let me do so?' she slowly sank and died without having recovered her note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand where we are going." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "'I have heard so.' "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four gentleman's clothes. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you II. over here." past. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent read it out to me." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and