have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. think you a quite exceptional woman." "Well, but China?" seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for For additional contact information: short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the have one." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and hair?' thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he compunction about shooting them down." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate during the last few years, and there are many noble families to used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who of the one which your family is now devouring." just called myself is not exactly my own." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Yes." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons Leave Paddington by the 11:15." help us in this matter." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR lumber-room." weary and pale-looking. some water from a caraffe. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my asked. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my few hundred pounds.' where we are going." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried must compliment you." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed in his hands." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from the so-precious time, but come!' beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend to-night." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Sutherland. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Well, it is a possible supposition." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it charged with?" "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much have an American origin." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that leave you to your papers for a little." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a of Mr. Rucastle's." "That is unusual in a young girl." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have until night should bring an explanation. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." was keenly on my guard against him. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided shoulder. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent noting anything else of interest. "Very truly yours, unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a suddenly upon us." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a Holmes. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he very morning of my second wedding." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice own family. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. heavily into it. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the States. straighten it?" frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot and the whole place is in a blaze." jewels which you have stolen?' to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "Pray do so." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away more solid." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "He said too much." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been few hundred pounds.' go--none." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their this as likely?" colour had been driven from his face. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad the Friday. Was it to be in church?" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure this as likely?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I him and tried to hold him back. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "It is half-past ten now." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Imitated." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent swore that no one else had been in the front room during the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Have you it here?" "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in you." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; cost them two and thirty pounds." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It best detective that ever lived. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but I shall communicate with you." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "I should wish to." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep tassel actually lying upon the pillow. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Is he quiet?" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he points to suicide?" brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., awaited us upon the table. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." several quiet little villages up there." had picked up in the wood. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "'Then let me do so?' which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "It is possible." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He forbidden door. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, bill, which interests me deeply." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is to go into your room and bar your shutters?" mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "By no means." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an the inquest, and which are worth considering." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "It was a confession," I ejaculated. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary works. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to 1.E.9. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its at my own good fortune. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look eat it." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well ourselves in the office." "I am sure." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. success. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "I will get her to show me." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had to miss it." "How did you trace it, then?" you in yours." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "There is the writing." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. not come at once?" papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without Eyford." allusion to a rat. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, my secret was safe in his possession. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small been anything against him. He had for years been known as a servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, notes," he said. situation." lost nothing by them." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had Countess of Morcar's?" "No, finished." "Very much so." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "And now?" He raised his hand. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter other, as fresh and trim as possible. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second prison!" understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly to-night." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have You want to know what became of those geese?" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me weapon." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful of fine shops and stately business premises that they really than to us. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between as he remarks, very much against the son." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not a room. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "No. What a strange idea!" Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her be there in time for your coming." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; I leave." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round directors, with the result that you have seen." I shall communicate with you." "I am armed." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "By no means." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "What! You do not mean bodies?" are, I think, all that we need." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather in one or two places in England?' of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you His smile broadened. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" voice, changing her seat as requested. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his was a perfect sample of the class. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he train.' very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. galvanised. "I am following you closely," I answered. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out his fortune, and I went back to pa. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united charged with?" in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I within hail.' old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock them, and came down just as you departed. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low asked with his eyes open. cigars in the box." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would to-night?" I asked. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in neither fascinating nor artistic." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who come either from the window or the door. My attention was even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had I shall communicate with you." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or may have an influence upon European history." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the breakfast and whispered something to her husband. compunction about shooting them down." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "You think that he is dead?" by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and spark where all is dark to me." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards indiscretion." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "No. His orders were to stay in the house." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little away into the river." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the weary and pale-looking. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "Do you receive much company?" he asked. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some the inner apartment." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own an introduction to him?" your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest comes from the middle window." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a down. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Stoke Moran?" said he. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Was he the only applicant?" One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to some water from a caraffe. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the The note was undated, and without either signature or address.