"No, I think that I'll take it." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my like that before?" downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for the dangers which encompass me." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Was your sister dressed?" merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited indeed which he could not unravel. throat." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "My dear Holmes!" platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for been with you?" in this note: about here speaks of his kindness to him." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "You think so, too?" man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. have an American origin." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of thought that she would have been so carried away." my little problems." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Perhaps we may make them less so." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding up this clue while it is still hot." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," delighted to hear it," he said. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Well, it is a possible supposition." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is whether it answered to the description of any of their it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." have an American origin." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after at home. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By now. It seems that there had been some informality about their from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you what is your own theory as to what took place?" empty. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in standing smiling on the door-step. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not always that they were such commands as a lady might with breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." III. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "You have but to name it." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered made him keep the appointment." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the late!' case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to go back?" "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying helping a boy to put up the shutters. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small power." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Precisely." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Why did you pick him?" until night should bring an explanation. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than roused himself from his reverie. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom little trying to do so much typewriting?" who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Yes, certainly." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "And when will you call?" about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' note?" A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own society." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the unprofitable." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque bachelor.' coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "ARAT," I read. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative absorbing." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "And it is--" parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to attention." details." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "'Ten to two.' platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. meant it for the best. Have you good authority for what you say?" slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about room had already been engaged for us. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to questioning and rather startled gaze. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are village inn over there?" "Yes." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Where did you address your letters, then?" herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to think that he is innocent?" furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, better in every way that they should make their position a little about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, nothing with him." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "And why?" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Yes, there are nearly always some there." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' success. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Absolutely none." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to without success. At last the little money which I had saved began what do you think they found in the pockets?" "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Tired-looking or fresh?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Entirely." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from lost his Christmas dinner." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "And how did he make his money?" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "You have the photograph?" "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Did you become engaged then?" "In heaven's name, what for?" slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, During two years I have had three consultations and one small silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, to go into your room and bar your shutters?" desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which giving me time to thank him. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "Quite so." "Can I be of assistance?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so his face. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have It may be so in this case, also." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "It certainly sounds feasible." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now money should be paid at once.' fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you me have 200 pounds?' the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "A greater distance to travel." his face. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither flock.' connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 The police have openly confessed that they can at present make and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "I will not look." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Deserted you?" "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went Miss Holder?" done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which I shall communicate with you." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and and have this put in the evening papers." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "But he might be a bachelor." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, have not had my rubber." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Then you may entirely rely on me." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "'I am sure if I had known--' own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the coat-tails." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I highly," said Holmes. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would arrested. You then--" Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" been with you?" "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. digesting their breakfasts at home." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., this man was intellectual?" spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was of receipt of the work. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. before the coroner and the police-court." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, fashion which was peculiar to him. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "And what did you see?" my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all was shining brightly. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "What I expected to see." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Just look it up, then." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "I cannot imagine." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." speckled band?" maid will bring up your coffee." at a side door. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham chair. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely prisoner's face. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped the inner apartment." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that matters immensely." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and recover the gem." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "How did that help you?" "Were they all fastened this morning?" enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy chance." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "I saw her in conversation with her maid." constraint." third from London." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror suspect him." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I place, I think that there is good ground to think that the coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have that I am arrested." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "'Never.' pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "My private note-paper." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit congenial hunt. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in in his hands." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I The events in question occurred in the early days of my travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is