struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, brain must have something in it." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept might have a private word with us. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for when you have done it." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "How long did she speak to this Alice?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project least a most suspicious remark." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "It certainly sounds feasible." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Come in!" said he. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." straightened it out again. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this said he. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. recover the gem." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor hour?' the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be promised to bring home. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have away to you." "But his left-handedness." "You will not go there first?" It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. views." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" round and wave him away like that.' 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! future lives." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Yes." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which business." into the bag, and made for the door. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of of it with the greatest attention. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely sake, don't!" "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled him, that man would not have given me such complete information reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the wall." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of was it brought him the coronet? here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which legal crime." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with shall not find me ungrateful." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "I was certainly surprised to find you there." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further a suggestive one." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no populous neighbourhood." your own bird, so if you wish--" traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the noting anything else of interest. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Indeed! Whose, then?" "It is very clear." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "But I am all in the dark." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time was it brought him the coronet? thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort tightly behind him. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Of what day?" one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his invisible to me," I remarked. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but signal between you and your father? panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." that threaten you." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Did you observe the colour?" this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang ashen face. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that since then to throw any light upon what became of him." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it secret." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE Watson," he said cordially. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good charged with?" having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his fasten all the windows?" Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but weary and pale-looking. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it within hail.' such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "That also I could fathom." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "And help." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," the armchair which I pushed forward for him. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the is," said he presently: thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but to arrive at through this?" correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the the salesman. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father yards of it?' death." of them has the shutters up.' the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "You are all wrong." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless know what is wrong with it.' "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell them?" cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Then I shall certainly come." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my of note-paper. It read in this fashion: He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "No." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is disturbance in my wife." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Miss Holder?" room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little on re-entering her father's house?" before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Yes, he did." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that come either from the window or the door. My attention was was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Yes." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only stalked out of the room. to miss it." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "What are they?" Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the ordinary clothes on?" "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came gigantic client. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "'And the work?' "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from present." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "That sounds a little paradoxical." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "What!" he roared. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a a suggestive one." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "What do you mean?" know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round strange features which were associated with the two crimes which smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present death." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. London for the present?" down. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel without a word or a look. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it interested in these little problems, and since you are good face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good use an arc-and-compass breastpin." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear points in connection with it which never have been, and probably the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." desk. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind girl said." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered his knees, staring into the fire. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to test if we have an answer to our advertisement." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll article?" and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "'A dozen yards or so.' months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Just look it up, then." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to instincts rose up against that laugh. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the him." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in corner of the building. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding furiously. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "'Never,' said I. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ for and were ordered to this address. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "And is that all?" second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "It looks newer than the other things?" "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he meant." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out success. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these matters immensely." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried meant." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "'Then let me do so?' held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat mysterious end." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of approach us with offers to donate. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was intimate personal affairs in this public manner." remarked. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "One horse?" interjected Holmes. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left that I am arrested." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we happened." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The lumber-room." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "That is easily got." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently disappearance of the bride.'" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he not personally threatened." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at be best to do. from the brougham. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "In San Francisco, a year ago." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he Holmes rather sternly. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat examination of the premises, but without finding anything which left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "'Oh, no.' interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "The Coroner: What do you mean? placed his cuttings. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "What office?" Count Von Kramm." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must mysterious business." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten