"And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading bearing upon the case." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as she used." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots subject to the trademark license, especially commercial light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Here?" explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "How about poison?" cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "That was it, sir." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had that Holmes." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other in my life." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, that I am arrested." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about the warnings." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Then you may entirely rely on me." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so your own bird, so if you wish--" "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to affection." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. digesting their breakfasts at home." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in upon a handsome competence. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' away in different directions, and I went off to make my own came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we of Mr. Rucastle's." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "It goes to the housekeeper's room." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Not yet." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a it means?" be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far approach us with offers to donate. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" people in all walks of life. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing all?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Well." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Thank you. Pray proceed." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' the tragedy. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to your bag." seen the man in the road." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of face and glided from the room. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Oh, fresh and glossy." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw ways of our fellow-men." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the mysterious business." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They look dissatisfied." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted noting anything else of interest. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." there when the Rucastles went away." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Yes, sir." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a be sorry for having acted so harshly." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "It came here." that he has suffered." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A page at http://pglaf.org alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up in this way: "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "My photograph." politicians who had been sent down from the North. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "On Monday." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped could go. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small know that the truth is known." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly was once confined in the cab my mission was practically which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" burst out into a roar of laughter. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "When did it break out?" edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "Certainly." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "What have you done?" asked Holmes. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Won't it ring?" but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. yards of it?' his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Stolen." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer him and tried to hold him back. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. events than those which have happened in my own family." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "Yes." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "No." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you relation between them, and what the object of his repeated business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Eh? What was that?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we ways including including checks, online payments and credit card will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Where, then, is my wife?" from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "You horrify me." "Yes." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "My stepfather's business papers." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. you?" it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must know that the truth is known." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "I will get her to show me." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream His smile broadened. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of within hail.' every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "No." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal gives a meaning to it." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." away to you." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in the inner apartment." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "She showed me, as I told you she would." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how conceal it?" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of humiliation." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "But she could not love him." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and words came to my lips. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time and wait." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police signal between you and your father? once more. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Yes, I have one waiting." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." mysterious end." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "'Quite sure, dad.' commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared the station." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she shag which I had seen upon the previous night. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you public press." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Why did you pick him?" the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "I have a cab outside." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She had died away into the silence from which it rose. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she do.' controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. and a shock of very red hair. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door wanted for ourselves." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "What then?" all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor The King stared at him in amazement. "Nothing." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" Watson," he said cordially. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Who by?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from chance." Again Holmes raved in the air. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Why did you pick him?" lips." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and strode off upon his way. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that there has been an enclosure here!" with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "And it is--" to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a to talk it over. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for own family. dramatic, in fact." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "What!" he roared. "Was he the only applicant?" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming beg that you will break it off." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I upon the shelf for the interim." "No, I had a dozen." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Murdered?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she walking." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "On the contrary, this is the right side." very morning of my second wedding." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to delirious. I leave." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by opportunities to fix the problem. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is hurried away. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "How on earth--" matter over." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "When did it break out?" doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, pressing in one house as in another. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never later, upon the night of May 2nd." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "I guessed as much." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that future lives." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and ways of our fellow-men." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" morning." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I The King stared at him in amazement. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Thank you. And your address?" opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out,