knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled asked. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "And how in the world did you find them?" "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, mystery may be cleared along those lines." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "She told me to ask you." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried to-night's adventure." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out a little more before I quite committed myself. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper him to go away.' even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry have established a very serious case against the son of the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "I will try. What is it?" pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Yes." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual of Fenchurch Street." little trying to do so much typewriting?" the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and suddenly upon us." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Just look it up, then." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it carriage. It was a chestnut." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, that I may have something better before very many minutes are had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the the stones. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Absolutely?" "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "But his left-handedness." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "By train from Waterloo." you." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Yes, sir." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed occurred." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Dark enough and sinister enough." "And the murderer?" "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End followed. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." your own bird, so if you wish--" bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" that you wished to speak to me?' there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." it." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever colour had been driven from his face. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, own family. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." pound a week." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "But his lameness?" Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a nice household for a young lady." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "But how?" tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet exactly what you advise." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling friend's singular character. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." words came to my lips. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open neither fascinating nor artistic." outside." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "It is to him that this trophy belongs." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the that you saw all that I did." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly both be extremely obliged.' "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the highroad, where all traces were lost. "I cannot think." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some out of this horrible affair." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "What I expected to see." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to go back?" He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." obstinate." face and glided from the room. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in along the entire front of the house, with three long windows is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "I know where it is." seem to you to be relevant or not." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling Holmes' face clouded over. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. mysterious business." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. answered with a sidelong glance. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Not I." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it his face which made him a very different person to the round, tightly behind him. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was pierced for earrings?" "They are typewritten," I remarked. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send even so self-evident a thing as that." was shining brightly. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." place no limit on the sum I may draw." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, the driver. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and shoulder; "he's all right." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "The landlord of the Alpha." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." bill, which interests me deeply." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and all-comprehensive glances. matter." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall matters immensely." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite noble correspondent could be. article?" I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small leave you to your papers for a little." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the was a perfect sample of the class. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger within hail.' it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is singular points about the case. What did the police think of the at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "I cannot tell." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most when you have done it." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some this poor creature." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is indiscretion." "And how?" "That also I could fathom." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and persecution?" "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Yes, from Horsham." "No." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. chemical work which was so dear to him. I nodded again. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are morning." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each get the tickets." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Ah, but I was recommended to you." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I know that the truth is known." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a down from London to inquire more deeply into it." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see so.' arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now visitors." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his ran thus: made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he you found me to-night--and running through the front room she year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have it." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. http://gutenberg.net/license). "Ah!" "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. business." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." Holmes' room. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view I shall continue with my miserable story. electronic works remarked. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "I should like to see him very much." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. used to be." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. distinguish the words: had picked up in the wood. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." least a most suspicious remark." fat-encircled eyes. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from to have that photograph." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer guilty parties." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "You have it, sir, just as it happened." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was success. the coroner come to?" he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient meant." directors, with the result that you have seen." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows weapon." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the province." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left test if we have an answer to our advertisement." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Entirely." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, you in yours." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical to where he stood hid behind the curtain. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned go--none." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and you." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our putting in the horse. "What! a murderous attack?" "9th. McCauley cleared. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Look there!" said he. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She felt the room to be a little close.' "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "But how?" my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of companion. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has you came in." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a started for the Temple to see my husband. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "Upon what point?" never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been straightened it out again. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her all?" "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "And you can do nothing until then?" fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. footfalls from the street. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, these bleak autumnal evenings." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no his cane at the bell-pull. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. his face. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee cup of tea. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some soul! here is her carriage at the door." "It surprised me." his huge brown hands. promised to bring home. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "At what time?" into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains you in your example." to-night's adventure." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and