"And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy never will be, entirely cleared up. giving me time to thank him. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the I approached. "My own seal." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are you." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the married her." peculiar to him. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "No sign of it?" "And help." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "From his hat?" sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' down from London to inquire more deeply into it." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in down in his armchair and closing his eyes. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at have one." some water from a caraffe. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "None. Neville wrote those words." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been three fields round his house, and there he would take his considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." the coronet at all injured?" pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On within hail.' question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "'What would be the hours?' I asked. of Mr. Rucastle's." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "'Certainly not.' an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face get her out of the way." jewels which you have stolen?' red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "No, my brougham is waiting." "You have but to name it." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been tassel actually lying upon the pillow. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Never." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, our word." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was thirty. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he gone. families. Now for the facts. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "You have a clue?" cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "His face fell immediately. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." cigars in the box." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding out of this horrible affair." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." my room." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to prisoner's face. second window is the one that I jumped from." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left little adventures." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to redistribution. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather in him." "Stolen." Dr. Gregory B. Newby protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced shaken than I had ever seen him. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small seven miles from Eyford Station.' "How long did she speak to this Alice?" were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Quite so." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, never to learn it at all." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his purpose equally well?" "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which it right.' Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if girl said." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be I nodded again. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, Countess of Morcar's?" really the only notable feature about the thing." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Your presence might be invaluable." stalked out of the room. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Why serious?" "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "And how did you verify them?" line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. habit of advancing money.' like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "The Cedars?" of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied purpose of examination. "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. trifles." carriage. It was a chestnut." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "I will, Miss Turner." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger entirely lost his self-respect." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "He disappeared so suddenly." which our visitor detailed to us. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon suggested at once that there must be a communication between the give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. leave you to your papers for a little." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." think that he is innocent?" wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without humiliation." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should possible that we could bring him back to her? "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss of Mr. Rucastle's." had formerly been in part my own. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, flock.' self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark shall not find me ungrateful." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "I am in hopes that she does." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Well, some hundreds of times." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of know what is wrong with it.' "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the that, and I came down." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, suddenly upon us." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Did your wife hear all this?" written, and locked the door of the office after me. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the details." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with floor. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net narrative." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "I will do it." to surprise her." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "Ah!" License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "The Coroner: What do you mean? Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual the coronet in his hand?" is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Pray do so." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." he died? "Oh, yes, easily." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." chance." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." interested in these little problems, and since you are good all-comprehensive glances. could gather together that I was able to avert another public his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found remarked. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "By train from Waterloo." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the returned to France?" your room." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, the station." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "One?" served to weaken the effect. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more crackling voice. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Just look it up, then." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Then how many are there?" "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "I cannot tell." up this clue while it is still hot." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "'I have heard so.' or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Very murderous indeed." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "But how?" natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the showing my impatience. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an situation." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic compunction about shooting them down." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "What office?" "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded Have you good authority for what you say?" the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story tied." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have acted in my house last night?" "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Ah, but I was recommended to you." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "This photograph!" of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions in the port of London." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this learned something! Where are the gems?" hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. cigars in their mouths. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered bearing upon the case." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. unprofitable." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" to miss it." on re-entering her father's house?" me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my the south-west, I see." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge confronted him. during that time.' is four-and-twenty." my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic companion. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Always." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "How are you getting on?" within hail.' "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his lips." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." his face which made him a very different person to the round, "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very like that before?" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It of Mr. Rucastle's." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the about here speaks of his kindness to him." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." and no precautions can guard against." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." status with the IRS. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Who by?" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the before, for it was considerably after midnight. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and