"I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "And Irene Adler?" What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "Eh? What was that?" "He might." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third crowd. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "Well, it is a possible supposition." it right.' many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just point in the dark hollow of his hand. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new miles off. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Why did you beat the pavement?" "But she will refuse." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked a little more before I quite committed myself. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." official police." his knees, staring into the fire. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we written. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some to tell." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "Ha! you find it so?" he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be outside. "'Never,' said I. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Yes, they were peculiar boots." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "I assure you that I am in your hands." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an companion quietly. arrangements." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "But the mystery?" a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached ceremony." better grown goose." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, promised to bring home. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She was already answered. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a During two years I have had three consultations and one small "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing death." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, a very grave face. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, it. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion him to be an active member of the medical profession." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is think, you have already met." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, yet." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "Your French gold?" secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "The vanishing of the lady." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a future lives." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." not fit the lock." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it window when the police appeared." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy and prosperity to your house. Good-night." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' started for the Temple to see my husband. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "And from a noble client?" ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but Count Von Kramm." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly this as likely?" no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from the coronet in his hand?" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief out." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a in the hope of finding them." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. one else, I think." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "When did it break out?" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage plantation.' his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "I should wish to." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "'There is a drive, then?' the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few all?" sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass danger is over." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to rat could hardly pass through." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check your Highness to the police-station?" lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates ordinary clothes on?" dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "How long did she speak to this Alice?" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the situation." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so next day. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about remarked. with the outside air!" "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able works. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "But you were on a friendly footing?" down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and it right.' "I do." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim examine." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "But I am all in the dark." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated conclusions. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had remarked. residence of the great financier. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "'Where could I find him?' "Precisely so. But how--" answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your your troubles." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "I am sure." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Murdered?" so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been the King without delay." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Absolutely?" The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save opened the door, and slipped through. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round little trying to do so much typewriting?" of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in taking in every detail of the apartment. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "Where is it, then?" It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "I have come for advice." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "You were travelling in the States?" pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." are, I think, all that we need." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a papers on the sundial.'" too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "I am sure." he. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to residence of the great financier. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have that?' some city in a dream. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Look there!" said he. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "No, I think that I'll take it." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Perhaps I have." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which that I can to serve you." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite it were putty." "Thank you. Pray proceed." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "But how could you guess what the motive was?" time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do pressing in one house as in another. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Here?" myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "To ruin me." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "I have come for advice." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some occurred." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' events, Mr. Windibank!" "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" http://gutenberg.net/license). stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, or other trace. But how on earth--" like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was will be renamed. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove direction." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman was it brought him the coronet? furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Was there a secret marriage?" It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." it." "She showed me, as I told you she would." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. strength." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." on in his house." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "'Yes, I promise.' already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a man. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "Ten will be early enough." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally too. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about always that they were such commands as a lady might with chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at gentleman's clothes. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he laugh and put his lips to my ear. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "None." respectable self." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed bonnet, and went out." one of the states of the Union." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at outbreak?" long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's had picked up in the wood. is worth.' that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. newspaper selections." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now appeared upon the scene." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as photograph?" up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "This photograph!" the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than where Mr. Fordham shows you.' into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having any little problem which you may submit to me." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: