"In heaven's name, what for?" The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very heavily into it. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going he bowed and left the room without another word. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I where she found matters as described by the last witness. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old shoulder; "he's all right." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so that he has suffered." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Yes." "Nothing?" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" side. "And it is--" and I shall be with you presently." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern affection." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses be best to do. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "What is it, then--a fire?" is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the remarked. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "'Certainly not. But why?' "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "By no means." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "'As governess?' panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my off." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while You want to know what became of those geese?" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her figure." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," to have that photograph." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I noting anything else of interest. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who and the colonel ushered me in. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving to a more successful conclusion." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat national property. I was determined that the law should have its are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety his face. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "What then?" centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You with her." "Where, indeed?" still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the of a light. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what how narrow had been my escape. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would strength." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "And from a noble client?" without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Very much so." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just and I shall be with you presently." not fit the lock." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Then the page we have seen--" "Not I." ago." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I not as remarkable as your advertisement." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Never." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he from the brougham. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it I. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the you for a few hours?" his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "I think that it is very probable." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." when you have done it." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. His name is Francis Prosper." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "I warn you that they are very incomplete." out." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect back alive. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every of Fenchurch Street." disappearance of the bride.'" "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying was a lad." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I you." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a giving me time to thank him. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be friends, not even his own brother. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the you." been." emerged. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is wanted for ourselves." "Holmes, the busybody!" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At instincts rose up against that laugh. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "No, but the enclosure is." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I towards the blaze. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan colonel looking down at me. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to death." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in hurried away. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. Holmes' room. here and I will read it to you: the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny fatally injured? "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon the nursery. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been photograph?" up this clue while it is still hot." "Not particularly." sufficient punishment." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be to change my dress. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "It was a confession," I ejaculated. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger your own bird, so if you wish--" old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the business." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, wife's character?" open." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off occurred." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to for securing the situation." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the garden below. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "And on what day did he meet his death?" weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "Do you go out much in society?" "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and yet." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "You know me, then?" "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. lamp. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "It is very kind of you." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, article?" "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, new acquaintance to Baker Street. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It III. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low It was close upon four before the door opened, and a window when the police appeared." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive This is what he says: and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" recover the gem." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." during that time.' with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you Leave Paddington by the 11:15." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all I took the paper from him and read as follows: will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' examination of the premises, but without finding anything which interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have whatever might befall. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "What I expected to see." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the leaning back in his chair. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which companion imperturbably. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I towards the blaze. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. the coroner come to?" very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for you?' "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man http://www.gutenberg.net fear." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other it." very old mansion. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is have got?" his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying open." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my cheerful." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "Now, then, what's the last entry?" kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray fattened it expressly for you.' girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of room?" people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are sufficient punishment." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "You'll never persuade me to believe that." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "'And what salary do you ask?' refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the I. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "VIOLET HUNTER." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I Stoke Moran." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "'Yes.' it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to not interfere, come what may. You understand?" probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the in the port of London." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Perhaps I have." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, get her out of the way." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort and the church but not where the lady lived." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "'Yes, it was gone.' "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into of the efforts of the United States government and of the better charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "It was an hour's good drive." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "No?" you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I