Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Entirely." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and call for protection in the marriage market, for the present are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "No, I had a dozen." was a loud and authoritative tap. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the undoubtedly my uncle's." "I shall be delighted." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "But the mystery?" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I The events in question occurred in the early days of my questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "'Never.' Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small followed. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "No, but the enclosure is." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. light and attacked it." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office cigars in the box." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. me. You must get home instantly and act." "The best possible." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "No." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had astonishment. and the church but not where the lady lived." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "What?" "No?" morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "Quite so. She has her freedom." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the to a light-house. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by hopeless attempt at recovering them." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where cause to be." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "'And the work?' were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "In San Francisco, a year ago." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "How did you trace it, then?" such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in generous with you in money matters.' France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would secret." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an acquaintance?" green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "But he might be a bachelor." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Has he come with you to-night?" were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "'Very good.' "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." said he at last. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on matter." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing within hail.' "My dear Holmes!" about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt again." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Then how many are there?" down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "Indeed! Whose, then?" ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves meant." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of and capable of preserving a secret.' "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "No sign of it?" the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered have been better. It is all right." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that if only as a check to my own memory." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a look upon these things in a different way." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. you for a few hours?" several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Is he quiet?" work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might said I. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent might have a private word with us. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a II. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well the nursery. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us joking. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and newspaper selections." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I respectable self." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Married! When?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into The telegram which we eventually received came late one night 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to my former friend and companion. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "'Yes, I promise.' directors, with the result that you have seen." arrangements." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these events, Mr. Windibank!" "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose tell him that I know him to be innocent." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "But you have hopes?" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary wedding?" plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my papers on the sundial.'" "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," brain must have something in it." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking never to learn it at all." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Ten will be early enough." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "But who is he?" something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "I never have." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet mysterious end." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out that I am arrested." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and do.' "Then I do not see the point." Gutenberg-tm License. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the swore that no one else had been in the front room during the streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "And I to find an enemy." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." kind enough to tell me what I should do." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it friends, not even his own brother. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "I answered that I had not. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me yet." "'What then?' I asked. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided new acquaintance to Baker Street. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "It is no ordinary one." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "I would pay ten." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal any." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "And help." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he in this note: Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "VIOLET HUNTER." room had already been engaged for us. views." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, detective. in this note: Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. which it had come upon my father." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable official police." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he outbreak?" upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a During two years I have had three consultations and one small his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling lost nothing by them." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "How are you getting on?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in stood on the top of it. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door ceremony." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! silent! Oh, he will be silent!' have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "We must sit without light. He would see it through the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I humiliation." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the nonsense.' fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the felt?" "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other The note was undated, and without either signature or address. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in appeal." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Yes." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your little adventures." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "What of the rat, then?" present." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Doctor, of the paper and the date." whole matter to your consideration." Arthur Conan Doyle Project Gutenberg-tm works. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The crime." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "I think it very unlikely." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Yes, only one." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "No good news?" do.' "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere highroad, where all traces were lost. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will and shall probably return to London by the evening train." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "But she will refuse." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Did he not advertise?" one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." http://gutenberg.net/license). "None." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an o'clock is it?" "Frequently." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." started for the Temple to see my husband. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "But to whom?" "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, his wife has ceased to love him." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Your presence might be invaluable." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" of campaign. sufficient punishment." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just upon a handsome competence. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the meant." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is are, I think, all that we need." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get wall." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he