few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a for its centre. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is the matter." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly newspaper selections." and laid it on the table. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "Pray tell us what has happened to you." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. bearing upon the case." looking up at the numbers of the houses." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated way: look upon these things in a different way." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens and it need not interfere very much with one's other logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of telegram would bring me down to your help." "No." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works extraordinary contortions. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of sound at heart." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall undoubtedly my uncle's." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "What will you say?" charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable looking up at the numbers of the houses." at a side door. "But you were on a friendly footing?" humiliation." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of your own bird, so if you wish--" gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Oh, yes, easily." "What can you not understand?" Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a advice." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, business matters.' she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the held up the lantern and gazed about him. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Very. But will he see it?" promised to bring home. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into murdered man." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "Bought." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us the warnings." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" definite end. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire noting anything else of interest. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to the King without delay." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain third from London." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "I have seen the police." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "And did you observe any change in her then?" the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed McCarthy's innocence. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. to change my dress. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say your room." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose any more." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she row." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of character. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive for the market.' standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "You are all wrong." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" detective. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master detained." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that The police have openly confessed that they can at present make Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I passage and a tap at the door. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "'Ample.' depend upon your compliance." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured God! What an exposure! What can I do?" he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." ordinary clothes on?" laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Where, then, is my wife?" "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and were new raised from a basin. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning this man was intellectual?" "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked strength in the others." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, himself to tell his story. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it to surprise her." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in forbidden door. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is what is your own theory as to what took place?" settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong the so-precious time, but come!' to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain charge against him will break down." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "And who is her maid?" American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A Pool. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "But of what society?" front of me. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "But she will refuse." chance." I took the paper from him and read as follows: going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "He is still with you, I presume?" eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from Stoke Moran." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "That's no good." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "And I." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until of fine shops and stately business premises that they really once more on the important position which you have been fortunate death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Then he might have called to you?" follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and suggested at once that there must be a communication between the practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" should be so warm over such a trifle." that I can to serve you." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "I would give my fortune to have them back." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend place of silver." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "My own seal." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his sound at heart." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "No." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Who by?" half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "It goes to the housekeeper's room." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded for the market.' his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "None." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two compunction about shooting them down." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while the matter." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my tension within him. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman learned something! Where are the gems?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was suggested at once that there must be a communication between the had formerly been in part my own. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." I. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "He slept on the premises." point in the dark hollow of his hand. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "'There is a drive, then?' street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." shoulder. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking IS the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too singular points about the case. What did the police think of the in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I States. knowledge of the world." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of Miss Holder?" sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, fire. You quite follow me?" "My dear Holmes!" address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in this Miss Turner." "Deserted you?" master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against to that open window." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you danger is over." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched with you alone." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." amused." and capable of preserving a secret.' with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless until night should bring an explanation. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he writing, and yet I know it well." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should think that he is innocent?" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I the salesman. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "The King of Scandinavia." The events in question occurred in the early days of my quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who imbecility!" he cried. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle existence." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination himself. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "That is also quite modern," said the lady. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is to affect your life." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote is," said he presently: "Never to return." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat business at Coburg Square is serious." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "No, thank goodness, she did not." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, which it had come upon my father." "Have you it here?" point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you Sutherland. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are as he folded up the epistle. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand you." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, conclusions. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, already referred to. "And you don't know his address?" "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake papers diligently of late, have you not?" gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Yes, certainly." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "You heard nothing yourself last night?" word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "And how in the world did you find them?" knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the affair. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read what these perils are?" lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door once more. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he appeal."