"'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there seen the man in the road." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the strength." "I should be immensely obliged to you." gentleman's clothes. "Come in!" said he. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face up this clue while it is still hot." business." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, man. future lives." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he correct than the official force." laugh and put his lips to my ear. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building your bag." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but dear old homesteads?" "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the and have this put in the evening papers." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the floor. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Perhaps we may make them less so." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. clang of the bell. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door at my own good fortune. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove if I call to-morrow?" warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm nothing with him." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. in the hope of finding them." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet crime." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt to tackle the facts." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our feature." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "Absolutely?" "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon and files of the old papers, following the future career of every see me here to avoid scandal." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "It surprised me." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too point our research must commence, and we will begin it by corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been notes," he said. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard note?" "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. I shall communicate with you." "Tired-looking or fresh?" "What then?" home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife arms and began to sob in a high treble key. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "This photograph!" had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and been." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Yes?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a vanished into the darkness. "10th. John Swain cleared. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new lids now and glanced across at his visitor. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Very much so." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Where to?" "Have you it here?" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "You think that he is dead?" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "How on earth--" horse could go." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "One horse?" interjected Holmes. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "I am still in the dark." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land the little opening for the ventilator is." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. companion. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to see me here to avoid scandal." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which retorted upon me, and I on you." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." train.' John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, was a lad." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened morning." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to me. You must get home instantly and act." rooms." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter them?" is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well despaired of." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a character. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all where we are going." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." letters?" that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "'Where to?' digesting their breakfasts at home." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a washing it down with a long draught of water. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in unkempt, staring out at me. "It must be recovered." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the mystery!" one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among thought that she would have been so carried away." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "About a month then." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a the bed, and you in that chair." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "And why?" them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "None." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the gbnewby@pglaf.org the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. was a lad." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and walking." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish hereditary King of Bohemia." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it other lovers by making love himself." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "And I to find an enemy." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door not interfere, come what may. You understand?" for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Yes, it was twisted." "'How far from the body?' need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with me, and I could not think that his explanation of the persecution?" Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment License. You must require such a user to return or "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "I think that it is very probable." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "What do you make of that, Watson?" WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "In the cells." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason a suggestive one." it right.' "Nothing." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "In what way?" asked Holmes. upon the white wrist. answered with a sidelong glance. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling despaired of." vanished into the darkness. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." nights." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was Edgeware Road. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions shoulder. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "How can you tell that?" "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the shoulder; "he's all right." "I cannot tell." status with the IRS. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the and the church but not where the lady lived." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading fire. You quite follow me?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of careless servant girl?" They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a to-night's adventure." was used.' bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. will be renamed. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." British peeress.'" style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "We must have a cab." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a morning." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until light and attacked it." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies the dangers which encompass me." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the once more for Briony Lodge. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a have got?" bedroom door." meant it for the best. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in conversation I have gathered that they have been married about affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to standing smiling on the door-step. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It this poor creature." been with you?" passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a point in the dark hollow of his hand. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a with you alone." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." thirty. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "I have my revolver," said I. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the companion quietly. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "The landlord of the Alpha." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in stood on the top of it. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention morning." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come Cross for the Continent." villagers almost as much as their master. taking in every detail of the apartment. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "It looks newer than the other things?" maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for I think that I could be of assistance to you." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Why, it's a dummy," said he. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his interests were the same as his." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Yes." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the page at http://pglaf.org among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's mystery may be cleared along those lines." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' reach."