"It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "What office?" "'I have already given you my word.' such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something Street. "Yes, at the mines." the King without delay." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, said Mr. Holder. place of silver." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me at a side door. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Where is it, then?" I nodded to show that I had heard. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' acted in my house last night?" your troubles." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. true." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third visitors." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "What?" was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the manager. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "'I have already given you my word.' again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in the coronet in his hand?" and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Get out!" said he. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a *** START: FULL LICENSE *** lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in perplexity from it to my illustrious client. 1.E.9. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other of a light. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is taking in every detail of the apartment. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I vanished into the darkness. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and tassel actually lying upon the pillow. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Nothing." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are I am not easy in my mind about them." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As it means?" astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "The doctor?" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the companion imperturbably. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Yes, sir." absorbing." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "No." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Ah!" not interfere, come what may. You understand?" all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Chief Executive and Director first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, purpose of examination. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence investigation." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social politicians who had been sent down from the North. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Thank you. And your address?" Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "Then how many are there?" hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings you want, then?' foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "But how will you look?" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." second window is the one that I jumped from." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to enter Dr. Roylott's room." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "What do you make of that, Watson?" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I said I. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the depend upon your compliance." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, of receipt of the work. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "You think so, too?" "But what harm can there be in that?" surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and giving me time to thank him. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "You think so, too?" "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor three fields round his house, and there he would take his fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of walking." "He disappeared so suddenly." meant." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his 'I should be able to look after that for you.' approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a was it brought him the coronet? "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having examine." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had written, and locked the door of the office after me. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and married her." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "A call for help, you thought?" had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. late." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "I am all attention, madam." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, him." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and useful material for showing traces. The double line a little Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought approach us with offers to donate. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is geese which you supplied to the Alpha." how narrow had been my escape. annoyance, but no jest. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, as the one I chose?' higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in started for the Temple to see my husband. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. open." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "'Then let me do so?' of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "No sign of it?" your only hope of safety." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "And for present expenses?" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my know what is wrong with it.' "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a touch that coronet?' enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall I was concerned in it." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that works. See paragraph 1.E below. morning." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. yourselves in at night?" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no as the one I chose?' sofa. This way, please!" weigh very heavily upon my conscience." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "'I have heard so.' some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in I shall continue with my miserable story. yourselves in at night?" Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "But his lameness?" himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "She will not sell." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's where she found matters as described by the last witness. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Married! When?" there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "And it is--" to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, four million human beings all jostling each other within the "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the goes." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Where is it, then?" "'Which dealer's?' "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet retorted upon me, and I on you." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his delighted to hear it," he said. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, morning." lumber-room." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." shoulder. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon at my remark. was it brought him the coronet? male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and to a more successful conclusion." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few to-morrow." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, coroner's jury." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' have had none more fantastic than this." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and meant it for the best. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to Eyford." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the them present such singular features as the strange train of very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves back to my heart. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but morning." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I noble correspondent could be. you." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." for the market.' income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a depend upon my doing so.' passage and a tap at the door. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some asked with his eyes open. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the and inquire as to the address." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean his knees, staring into the fire. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." affair. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "But your client--" that you can jump it.' "You saw the ventilator, too?" your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "Yes, they were peculiar boots." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Indeed! Whose, then?" "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as words came to my lips. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "We must have a cab." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Nothing." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "And for present expenses?" wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Was she in good spirits?" Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Who by?" keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Who by?" directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, papers diligently of late, have you not?" than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the colonel looking down at me. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the during that time.' much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Where did he live, then?" The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or hand, madam?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent goes." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, upon the shelf for the interim." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too call you and give you the chance." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Thank you. And your address?" License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this