for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter hour?' man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "I cannot imagine." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. chamber." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we distinguish the words: threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Yes?" and shall probably return to London by the evening train." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the other means.' "It is true that I have been generally successful." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the hardly wander." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Was he the only applicant?" very morning of my second wedding." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as late." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Come in!" said he. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my him." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The himself to hunt down. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon without a word or a look. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "But what will you do?" "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in lost nothing by them." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to papers." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "No, but the enclosure is." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of of this gang." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy skylight. What do you deduce from it?" not come at once?" hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried head. So long, then!" people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "And the murderer?" certainly not very gracious." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an together. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how was used.' "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at go back?" "Why? What do you mean?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or careless servant girl?" pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "By all means." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the murdered man." outside. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove frequently gained my first real insight into the character of derbies." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her me have 200 pounds?' had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Perhaps we may make them less so." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Yes." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by written. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Then you may be so with me." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. the salesman. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it His name is Francis Prosper." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Never." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the room while you explain this matter?" would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." something of him before." good-night and bustled off upon her way. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut you." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly chill to my heart. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "What do you mean?" "'I am sure if I had known--' weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez the inquest, and which are worth considering." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Your sister is dead, then?" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend strength of mind to control. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will round and wave him away like that.' Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "And why in hopes?" abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's chair. present." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Whose house is it?" does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "I will get her to show me." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I case-book, which he consulted. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to said I. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately I was concerned in it." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was long narrative. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a you, my dear young lady?' be there in time for your coming." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "I should wish to." experiences." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never at a side door. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security without success. At last the little money which I had saved began gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "The rest you will leave in our hands." "I have a cab outside." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "On your arm?" came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of sparkled upon his finger. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "No." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary once more to my work. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: beyond words. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last was a loud and authoritative tap. points to suicide?" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "You horrify me." "I cannot as yet see any connection." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was gone before you can get him to hospital." case-book, which he consulted. Does that suggest anything?" that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. if only as a check to my own memory." "My dear Holmes!" "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had once more on the important position which you have been fortunate would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with bare slabs of marble. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something the Red-headed League." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to strength in the others." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Thank you. Pray proceed." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there in his hands." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady Foundation more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to I have it here in my museum." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "And on what day did he meet his death?" just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, Arthur Conan Doyle "Where, then?" suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from remarked. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes acquaintance?" "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it unprecedented a position." place of silver." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this not as remarkable as your advertisement." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which not as remarkable as your advertisement." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court developed." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Yes." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the examine." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Then, as to money?" you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us quick march!" little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Dr. Becher's." said he. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six strong and stiff." quick march!" benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel bonnet, and went out." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." bears upon the case?" downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this in his hands." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Thank you. And your address?" A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon once more to my work. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Then how many are there?" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been over here." wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Was your sister dressed?" round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. society." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. my little problems." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot from you?" annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of The note was undated, and without either signature or address. awaited us upon the table. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' persecution?" abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, voice, changing her seat as requested. "Where did you address your letters, then?" with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our his face. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "I have seen the police." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "And what then?" moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Then what has happened to him?" surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "What! a murderous attack?" "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Certainly." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been putting in the horse. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the bedroom door." just ask you whether you had heard it.' it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a secret." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "No, finished." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "'Tell me all about it,' said I. until night should bring an explanation. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' round with crates and massive boxes. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "Perhaps we may make them less so." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master this remarkable episode. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "And I say east," said my patient. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. may never be exposed to such a temptation." into the room. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance green of the new foliage. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to everything which you would wish to know." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed chance at all." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he shall use the carriage to-night." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the point in the dark hollow of his hand.