understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you very peculiar words of the dying woman?" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "He is still with you, I presume?" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some followed. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King The King stared at him in amazement. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Your sister is dead, then?" reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from sooner or later she must fall a victim. it. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste house for five minutes.' tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates Eyford." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "But who is he?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "Where, indeed?" gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Then he might have called to you?" "Yes, from Horsham." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all own family. Dr. Gregory B. Newby forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying in. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a is," said he presently: crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "None." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' to-night's adventure." "And for present expenses?" clang of the bell. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "Did you observe the colour?" quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out presume?" may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "I cannot tell." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I to change my dress. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "My photograph." very morning of my second wedding." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "One of the highest in England." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "'Yes, I promise.' did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, The police have openly confessed that they can at present make LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE now. It seems that there had been some informality about their there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "I answered that I had not. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage despair." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "That is it on the dressing-table." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "He said too much." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in lost nothing by them." "'Yes, sir.' "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so forehead. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the pictures, libraries, or plate. "'Where to?' know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "I should wish to." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, some place of shelter and let the county police know what has firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his matter." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many purpose of examination. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of will be renamed. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "We were both in the photograph." "Then the page we have seen--" know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Well, some hundreds of times." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Yesterday." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Who by?" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Yes, the wine-cellar." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the Foundation "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "'What would be the hours?' I asked. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "No good news?" helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "We were both in the photograph." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or easy-going way." chill to my heart. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "No. What a strange idea!" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave grasp, he hurried from the room. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "'And the work?' "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this feature." advice." presented more singular features than that which was associated "What have you to say now?" where she found matters as described by the last witness. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few that the gas is not laid on in his house?" chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that written. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor that you can jump it.' "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" invisible to me," I remarked. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows husband's writing, madam." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "So I have heard." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came in a very precise fashion." Mary, has deserted me." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Then he might have called to you?" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "And what then?" shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying It was close upon four before the door opened, and a be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the 'please.'" calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it once more to my work. house for five minutes.' His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door she has been waylaid. There has been no result." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "And I." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. for its centre. affection." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of the side-table." said Mr. Holder. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was writers could invent nothing more crude." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small James Windibank. Voilà tout!" foresight and the moral retrogression?" now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" married her." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. this remarkable episode. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've tell me that you intended to go into harness." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the man. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Nothing?" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the knowledge of the world." national property. I was determined that the law should have its of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I the stable lane now." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "You are certainly joking, Holmes." a little more before I quite committed myself. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed the night.' "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." was feeling which was the fattest.' in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "It is true that I have been generally successful." "I cannot say that I have." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was orange pips. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by gentleman's clothes. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has read over the extraordinary announcement. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve off." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would taking in every detail of the apartment. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert the Friday. Was it to be in church?" offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that colour had been driven from his face. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you His smile broadened. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "'Yes, sir.' similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "What of the rat, then?" neither fascinating nor artistic." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and breakfast and whispered something to her husband. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "We must have a cab." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you coat-tails." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and foresight and the moral retrogression?" still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known shall not find me ungrateful." the bed, and you in that chair." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. which we had just quitted. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at floor. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "Just look it up, then." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there means taking possession of that which another person has a prior stood on the top of it. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Yes." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "There are none." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey of receipt of the work. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after searched, without anything being found which could incriminate suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the ago." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "I saw her in conversation with her maid." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter fasten all the windows?" dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in my little problems." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton