into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "But you would not advise me to refuse?" hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the compunction about shooting them down." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the point in the dark hollow of his hand. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove McCarthy's innocence. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to train from Paddington which would bring you there at about into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under bled considerably." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I some city in a dream. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he acted in my house last night?" American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "You will not go there first?" strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He constraint." presented more singular features than that which was associated that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "A greater distance to travel." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw the matter." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, photograph a cabinet?" "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "The Coroner: What do you mean? nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported pictures, libraries, or plate. sufficient punishment." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for closing the door. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions his grey eyes. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these make me his representative both with the servants and with the was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. bedroom door." "And how?" "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve from the brougham. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "'What would be the hours?' I asked. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting went to the Alpha were town bred." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the already referred to. rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of allusion to a rat. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had when your master had gone out." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature fat-encircled eyes. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "No, distinctly professional." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "Is he quiet?" sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five wedding?" "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the ran thus: your co-operation." to a more successful conclusion." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." of campaign. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner silent! Oh, he will be silent!' Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Only as much as we can deduce." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Certainly." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking colour had been driven from his face. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was again on its way. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "She walked into the breakfast-room." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could I took the paper from him and read as follows: A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "I have solved it." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency burst into a hearty fit of laughter. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea was a perfect sample of the class. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "She showed me, as I told you she would." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Stolen." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "'And what salary do you ask?' breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that lost his Christmas dinner." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "A confidential servant?" For additional contact information: penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Yes." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray least a fellow-countryman. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the fashion which was peculiar to him. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is jewels which you have stolen?' "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. key of the affair now." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. examine." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "I cannot as yet see any connection." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "'Most admirably.' until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear swore that no one else had been in the front room during the He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his to tackle the facts." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "Of what day?" "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this and the whole place is in a blaze." Eyford." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "But to whom?" "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the gbnewby@pglaf.org surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle woman." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' at once, for I have only half an hour." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, people don't know." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Sutherland. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his envelope. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Is he quiet?" his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my not come at once?" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "I don't say that. Perhaps." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off back into the street. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some light and attacked it." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and the south-west, I see." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager fatally injured? but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "That is not always so easy." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed of the vacancies.' particular state visit http://pglaf.org "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked once more on the important position which you have been fortunate family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "I cannot tell." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Yesterday." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Absolutely none." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a highroad, where all traces were lost. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself all-comprehensive glances. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Where to?" "Did you observe the colour?" were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a a monotonous occupation." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider introspective fashion. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. of his shoulders. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the read over the extraordinary announcement. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from go back?" She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much look dissatisfied." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the seem to you to be relevant or not." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "'Most admirably.' him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I awaited us upon the table. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Her father is very rich?" "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he the night.' son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you skylight. ago." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held which our visitor detailed to us. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Certainly." views." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at key turn in the lock." know all about it," he snarled. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and purpose of examination. quick march!" explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with what is your own theory as to what took place?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across vague figure huddled up in the darkness. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without but preventing her from injuring another. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "I was certainly surprised to find you there." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of business at Coburg Square is serious." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little and shall probably return to London by the evening train." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "No?" "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for both be extremely obliged.' Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now your troubles." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. was shining brightly. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were events, Mr. Windibank!" later, upon the night of May 2nd." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as points to suicide?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, followed. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of