both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of and laid it on the table. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "'It is locked up,' I answered. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Oh, the cause is excellent!" seen the man in the road." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now populous neighbourhood." here and I will read it to you: telegram would bring me down to your help." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his away into the river." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless business came to an end." 1.F. of campaign. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the system of imprisonment?" "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the the roots. ago." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "I cannot imagine." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice horse could go." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less least a fellow-countryman. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for particular state visit http://pglaf.org should be taken.' "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before The King stared at him in amazement. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our weapon." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly joking. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in be. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always of campaign. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a it." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran the inquest, and which are worth considering." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of brandy and water within his reach. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "You have but to name it." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "What then?" "'No, I know no one in these parts.' questioning and rather startled gaze. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We that you saw all that I did." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy our word." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen forehead. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. chamber." "'In my own bureau.' after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" heavily into it. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, is," said he presently: "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged ago." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would The King stared at him in amazement. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding call you and give you the chance." chemical work which was so dear to him. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose his forehead." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, only touch the interest." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our you found me to-night--and running through the front room she Mrs. Toller serenely. this man was intellectual?" the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. had died away into the silence from which it rose. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "Thank you. And your address?" galvanised. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a Sutherland?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Perhaps we may make them less so." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might throat." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Nothing." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My The events in question occurred in the early days of my and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce not come at once?" "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when any little problem which you may submit to me." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "But how?" thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "You'll never persuade me to believe that." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply infinite languor in his face. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "It came here." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Which surely he restored to their owner?" broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so like gravel from a pit.' "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Her father is very rich?" Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. the coronet in his hands?" "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your from the brougham. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "Murdered?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. so far?" heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "But she could not love him." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It 1.F. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "'And what salary do you ask?' "Do you go out much in society?" across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at most important business. It is probable that he will be away all figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as posted to-day." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "In San Francisco, a year ago." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "I cannot tell." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the three fields round his house, and there he would take his gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is been." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were have accepted such a situation. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can will find little credit to be gained out of this case." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set photograph a cabinet?" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The bearing upon the case." this as likely?" like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "'Never,' said I. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "And sit in the dark?" course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate long narrative. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second outside." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every unclasping of his long thin hands. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Deserted you?" get the tickets." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, tightly behind him. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past criminal. We have already had experience of such." away into the river." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; indeed happy." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City country, and eventually married, without anyone having a if she died from some sudden fright." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "'I am sure if I had known--' Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. within hail.' observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had himself in a perplexing position. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his official police." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "His face fell immediately. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what prepare for the new role I have to play." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "To an English lawyer named Norton." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no round with crates and massive boxes. the driver. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must experiences." not as remarkable as your advertisement." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "You think that he is dead?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Bought." meant." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Yes." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At think that he is innocent?" are, I think, all that we need." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Have you her photograph?" works. See paragraph 1.E below. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, said he. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." morning." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural already been minutely examined." "Precisely so. But how--" "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed results." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent stammered. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such at my remark. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He himself in a perplexing position. "Did your wife hear all this?" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "By no means." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow sofa. This way, please!" whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" least a most suspicious remark." little adventures." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that fuss that is made over them." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "I am about to be married." seem to you to be relevant or not." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the success. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which distance from the station, and there we found the young lady said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "You have compromised yourself seriously." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your during the last few years, and there are many noble families to eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "You forget that I know nothing about it."