and the whole place is in a blaze." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and and looked back. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional that I can to serve you." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Nothing?" "'And the work?' them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to attention." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to crackling voice. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. tell them apart.' were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my weary and pale-looking. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Quite so. She has her freedom." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "The decline of his fortunes, then?" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Seven!" I answered. what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "And sit in the dark?" conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is where Mr. Fordham shows you.' defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which persecution?" it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every It may be so in this case, also." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "I answered that I had not. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "And now?" He raised his hand. photograph a cabinet?" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of letters?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable Leave Paddington by the 11:15." States. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "She walked into the breakfast-room." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "On the contrary, this is the right side." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I Sutherland?" do you make of it all?" William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can go--none." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any father's place of business?" not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She unprofitable." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "None. Neville wrote those words." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke round and wave him away like that.' the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so never to learn it at all." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case of your young ladies.' the coronet at all injured?" "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "What!" he roared. telegram would bring me down to your help." "Nothing?" this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out Mary, has deserted me." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "'What would be the hours?' I asked. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that mysterious business." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." followed. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the with the outside air!" As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "She showed me, as I told you she would." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better points in connection with it which never have been, and probably She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather before the coroner and the police-court." "It surprised me." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "It is a murder, then?" whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I astonishment. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my could go. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "Very much so." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend vague figure huddled up in the darkness. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the tapping his fingers upon the table. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There photograph?" "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying prison!" something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "It missed him, then?" process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. entirely devoid of interest." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making there!' other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "I think that it is very probable." correct than the official force." said he. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the appeared upon the scene." room?" and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Oh, yes, easily." you for a few hours?" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square Lestrade of Scotland Yard." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Was she in good spirits?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous over with notes and figures. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the floor. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving pity, because in other respects you would really have done very blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." be.' his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "What! Had he lost his wife?" "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That other, as fresh and trim as possible. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting tell me that you intended to go into harness." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance side. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged children over to America with him, so that I found myself without belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a the window, rose as we entered. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "So I am. Very much so." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts flock.' reach." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "I know where it is." open." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Your French gold?" shoulder; "he's all right." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "I see many objections to any such theory." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over asked. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Do you receive much company?" he asked. get her out of the way." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were writers could invent nothing more crude." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind that you can jump it.' neither fascinating nor artistic." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Tired-looking or fresh?" window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be Chief Executive and Director it." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the will take you up to see the machine.' "What of the rat, then?" you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" better grown goose." straightened it out again. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You companion imperturbably. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it thin, with a long, sharp nose?" if she died from some sudden fright." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "On the contrary, this is the right side." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "'Never,' said I. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then returning from some small jollification and was making his way very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his sufficient punishment." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be future lives." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years for and were ordered to this address. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' his face. coroner's jury." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. wife's character?" as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even bill, which interests me deeply." place no limit on the sum I may draw." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Of Friday, June 19th." bare slabs of marble. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our drawing your inferences." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "We must sit without light. He would see it through the it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my breakfast." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "No legal papers or certificates?" "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon said I. "'I am sure that I do not know.' should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She certainly not very gracious." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into quickly through a disagreeable task. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you about here speaks of his kindness to him." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "On your arm?" without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "Absolutely none." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that if she died from some sudden fright." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "How did you trace it, then?" ways of our fellow-men." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "The vanishing of the lady." gbnewby@pglaf.org bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own them?" of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here was once confined in the cab my mission was practically into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence outside. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an and the church but not where the lady lived." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more very peculiar words of the dying woman?" easy-going way." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been think you a quite exceptional woman." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "I cannot say that I have." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your the inner apartment." morning." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "About a month then." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Yes, but only for you and me." "But his lameness?" ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS system of imprisonment?" Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, union?" "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his