know that the truth is known." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before have one." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Was he the only applicant?" experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort exactly what you advise." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Holmes rather sternly. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Will you go?" Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been you." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "But of what society?" second." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! his grey eyes. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Not in a good cause." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and of Fenchurch Street." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the there was no need for father to know." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "And what then?" She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and emerged. to a more successful conclusion." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "'Yes, sir.' "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past bled considerably." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his know all about it," he snarled. "'I shall certainly be there.' is worth.' shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard narrative." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of the date of his supposed suicide." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to again." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "I should like to see him very much." taking in every detail of the apartment. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the said Mr. Holder. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Of what day?" "She showed me, as I told you she would." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his as this. Pray let me have the details." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was in one or two places in England?' man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "I have my revolver," said I. "The vanishing of the lady." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. Farm upon the left." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "Nor running a chance of arrest?" column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks considering the formidable letters which were received by himself and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "What, then?" Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "It is to him that this trophy belongs." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I go from here to the Strand." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "And when will you call?" gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "We were both in the photograph." "No." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" I approached. over here." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. fishes. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "I am about to be married." nonsense.' would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. words came to my lips. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and we went to search for him, face downward in a little "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight your room." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark was keenly on my guard against him. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out all that?" "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'There is a drive, then?' I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into back alive. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, to where he stood hid behind the curtain. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "None." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "'Ten to two.' Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Yes, from Horsham." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole only touch the interest." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Never." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new not come at once?" his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "And the cigar-holder?" deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Yes." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "You don't mind breaking the law?" "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a a suggestive one." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the know what is wrong with it.' "One of the highest in England." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "It came here." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her 1.E.9. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at was keenly on my guard against him. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "And for present expenses?" creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project prove to be little relation between the different incidents of We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at The police have openly confessed that they can at present make held up the lantern and gazed about him. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which breakfast and whispered something to her husband. already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Yes." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to States. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. the roots. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Have you her photograph?" The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being into the room. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "My dear Holmes!" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, written. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and be.' making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "That is it on the dressing-table." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the posted to-day." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' really the only notable feature about the thing." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again hardly wander." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "And for present expenses?" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Pope's Court. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this Arthur Conan Doyle to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I sit on the left-hand side of the driver." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' it? Did I buy the geese off you?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the writers could invent nothing more crude." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "At the wedding breakfast." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the late!' time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "I guessed as much." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "And from a noble client?" least a most suspicious remark." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped walking." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the them, and came down just as you departed. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My the very letters. But what is this written above them?' kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "He is still with you, I presume?" pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure confronted him. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "But she could not love him." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "How did you deduce the select?" "Perfectly so." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "But his lameness?" "What have you done?" asked Holmes. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off your room." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice peculiar to him. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for know that the truth is known." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "Never to return." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation know what is wrong with it.' sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to fasten all the windows?" clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise call the police, let the police find what they can.' hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what woman who has had her own way to make in the world. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the with some details as to your case." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "When did she vanish, then?" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Stolen." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was is," said he presently: "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "A client, then?" observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk envelope. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows washing it down with a long draught of water. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Foundation "I would pay ten." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "What then?" "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a ceremony." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have closely." coat-tails." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "It is very clear." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I carried out of court." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Stoke Moran?" said he. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until Chief Executive and Director running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each I have it here in my museum." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Which surely he restored to their owner?" over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his indiscretion." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they any." interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Then what has happened to him?" public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from any." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me man.