protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction You want to know what became of those geese?" might help us?" that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "It goes to the housekeeper's room." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Whose house is it?" the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "I would give my fortune to have them back." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a The summons was a brief and urgent one. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "And that is--" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a flock.' it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he bears upon the case?" the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, country, and eventually married, without anyone having a the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You matter over." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat look upon these things in a different way." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "Two days later this same performance was gone through under There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the His name is Francis Prosper." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Do you know him?" visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with unprecedented a position." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a the house with me." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "'Certainly not. But why?' was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will get the tickets." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "Well, but China?" beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel useful material for showing traces. The double line a little little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." may never be exposed to such a temptation." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom she might be summoned. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "'Ample.' thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two little adventures." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Nothing?" thin, with a long, sharp nose?" reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which could go. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the I leave." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "But what is it you wish?" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the DISSOLVED. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now in the port of London." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his followed. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Then, how do you know?" he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a mysterious end." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon Holmes." this man was intellectual?" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "How about poison?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." bonnet, and went out." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without and a shock of very red hair. about. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you invisible to me," I remarked. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed yards of it?' answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "But she could not love him." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low written, and locked the door of the office after me. respectable self." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become closing the door. you." "In the cells." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." take the flies, but not before." was a loud and authoritative tap. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Breckinridge is his name." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a once more for Briony Lodge. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring about. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There miles off. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "'Yes, sir.' pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if weapon." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so chambers. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. him and tried to hold him back. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in a few minutes he said that it would be all right. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. McCarthy." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "No." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the jewels which you have stolen?' "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Quite so. She has her freedom." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out your Highness to the police-station?" three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the to have been novel and of interest." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to crime. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and things are very often connected not with the larger but with the that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do carpenter." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress go from here to the Strand." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this help us in this matter." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "And that is--" son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." happened." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "You don't mind breaking the law?" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Seven!" I answered. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was yourselves in at night?" "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "But to whom?" "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another was a lad." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "That is unusual in a young girl." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only to some other building. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Come in!" said Holmes. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured questioning and rather startled gaze. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate fled together." "I will get her to show me." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience crime." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step there." stepfather?" whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "The decline of his fortunes, then?" permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Nothing." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She mystery." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the with frightened eyes at his accuser. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked forebodings. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still new duties?' "What of the rat, then?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. have not had my rubber." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your in my life." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve locked." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of than was visible to me." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong formed some opinion?" fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "But it has twice been burgled." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I strong and stiff." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the gives a meaning to it." done what I asked you, Jones?" lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his back into the street. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with on re-entering her father's house?" and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She spare." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My best detective that ever lived. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the me upon any point which I do not make clear." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with other means.' dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or of fine shops and stately business premises that they really you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done for securing the situation." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a point in the dark hollow of his hand. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "Proceed, then." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works His name is Francis Prosper." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Foundation reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story pound a week." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock the night.' brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "When did it break out?" result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and have had none more fantastic than this." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." all?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in