almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the hurried by. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up emerged. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite I took the paper from him and read as follows: Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a I have it here in my museum." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Yes." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. of the way of danger. "'Stolen!' he cried. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Then what has happened to him?" after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For was a lad." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which your most interesting statement." Watson," he said cordially. "'I am sure if I had known--' to take care of herself." "May I see it?" playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is chair. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his a suggestive one." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have this as likely?" been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to himself. Countess of Morcar's?" many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that hard-headed British jury." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "That is not always so easy." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little other means.' characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after chance at all." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Of Friday, June 19th." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry within hail.' "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "'Yes, sir.' I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. joking. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both For additional contact information: "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, where we are going." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. Eyford at 11:15.' glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Your French gold?" number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and she might be summoned. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, voice, changing her seat as requested. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Stolen, then." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "She told me to ask you." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "The Cedars?" myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Where does the thing come from?' and shall probably return to London by the evening train." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very article?" into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "Tired-looking or fresh?" admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down obstinate." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. points to suicide?" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Frequently." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his been." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "How did he come?" be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain pressing in one house as in another. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up is four-and-twenty." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment bill, which interests me deeply." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Did you observe the colour?" Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, overpowering excitement and concern. "Where, indeed?" About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in lectures into a series of tales." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Did you become engaged then?" "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still shaken than I had ever seen him. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, a room. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "You have carte blanche." whatever might befall. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, writer." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to neither fascinating nor artistic." "Yes, only one." "Yes, at the mines." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who should be taken.' his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, bell. Holmes whistled. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my friend's singular character. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as the nursery. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." to me. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, is four-and-twenty." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he some mystery and the punishment of some crime." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "You will not go there first?" of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely are, I think, all that we need." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Where did you address your letters, then?" anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so strength." McCarthy's innocence. Surrey." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "And you can do nothing until then?" "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the politicians who had been sent down from the North. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and said he at last. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and him." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him that "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday everything which you would wish to know." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Oh, fresh and glossy." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Well." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself felt?" His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Certainly." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose as this. Pray let me have the details." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would *** START: FULL LICENSE *** foot. lectures into a series of tales." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable me where it went to?" cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Do you receive much company?" he asked. bonnet, and went out." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his his grey eyes. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens at home. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to triumphant cloud from his cigarette. the running down." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Look there!" said he. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, in your London, you will know that the office of the company is Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "What?" hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is dear old homesteads?" glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be make me his representative both with the servants and with the than to us. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that Dr. Gregory B. Newby unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Will you bet, then?" "Pray do so." have got?" shadow pass over his face as I spoke. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and affection." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I he bowed and left the room without another word. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of said he. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the the morning and make my own way in the world.' and inquire as to the address." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "I know where it is." have one." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry danger is over." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "But I am all in the dark." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the have established a very serious case against the son of the all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Then he might have called to you?" Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed straighten it?" uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this details should find their way into the papers. Inspector and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really fasten all the windows?" your co-operation." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in hour." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever instincts rose up against that laugh. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Who was the criminal, then?" in one or two places in England?' offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Very much so." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked presented which may be striking and bizarre without being determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to might help us?" Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Have you it here?" husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "You have a clue?" then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** was a perfect sample of the class. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "'No, I know no one in these parts.' into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I investigation." unprofitable." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's the one as in the other." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is him to go away.' is entirely a question of barometric pressure." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning to that open window." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of touch that coronet?' by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent sparkled upon his finger. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes which our visitor detailed to us. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate most interesting one." "Yes. He waved his hands." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you what these perils are?" "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard