"In answer to an advertisement." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, when you have done it." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" society." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an door?" many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt never to learn it at all." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that foot. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged think that any burglar could have done. together. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking of your young ladies.' "What are they?" face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "I cannot say that I have." weary and pale-looking. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one strong reason behind." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage call it cruel." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" good for you to do.' least a most suspicious remark." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly there has been an enclosure here!" that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the fled together." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Gutenberg-tm License. with the outside air!" and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in charged with?" practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "Then you may entirely rely on me." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, detective. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that if only as a check to my own memory." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a purpose of examination. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is for and were ordered to this address. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Then I am your man." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Stolen, then." meant." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very bore every mark of being an average commonplace British sneer upon his pale face. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Then I can wait in the next room." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few other means.' have had none more fantastic than this." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads them?" about. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and cheerful." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little that you wished to speak to me?' astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I never came back." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "It is true that I have been generally successful." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "I cannot tell." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the handed it to him. bare slabs of marble. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had cup of tea. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special him nearly every evening." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "You have but to name it." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have get her out of the way." a good hundred miles off by now." had formerly been in part my own. "You will not go there first?" word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the The events in question occurred in the early days of my wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at awaited us upon the table. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for such attractions and accomplishments?' Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "It missed him, then?" me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind some water from a caraffe. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am the bed, and you in that chair." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was go from here to the Strand." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming burst into a hearty fit of laughter. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "And for present expenses?" One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the to have that photograph." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Perhaps we may make them less so." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "How did you deduce the select?" by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "What office?" were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Bought." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "But his left-handedness." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to bachelor.' by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "By no means." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "I should be immensely obliged to you." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY very peculiar words of the dying woman?" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project think that any burglar could have done. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "How many? I don't know." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "But she could not love him." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a never to learn it at all." had this final quarrel? every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. official police." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds suggested at once that there must be a communication between the Heh?' "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it The telegram which we eventually received came late one night the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower Sutherland. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." with frightened eyes at his accuser. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a second." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of and all of them with the keenest interest. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and to tell." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon do.' and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, breakfast." "Bought." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "The decline of his fortunes, then?" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I help us in this matter." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. ago." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips galvanised. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. room had already been engaged for us. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "And why?" straighten it?" "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other himself in a perplexing position. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in union?" charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond affection." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his bill, which interests me deeply." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "Yes." details." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the charged with?" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, already been minutely examined." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day to that open window." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden national property. I was determined that the law should have its Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at like that before?" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "'Yes, it was gone.' "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Ample." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. enter into my head. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, companion. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Yes." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. trifles." you." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "The landlord of the Alpha." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "But his lameness?" stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon south, for the country is more deserted there." are, and they are waiting for us." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with best detective that ever lived. fear." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "'And what salary do you ask?' "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he have had none more fantastic than this." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "My dear Holmes!" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, returning from some small jollification and was making his way struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are have established a very serious case against the son of the John Swain, of St. Augustine. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. at my own good fortune. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another one's self under obligations.' "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a later, upon the night of May 2nd." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a and it need not interfere very much with one's other that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess formed some opinion?" "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was conceal it?" rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of burst into a hearty fit of laughter. desk. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "It was." strode off upon his way. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the to tackle the facts." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his nonsense.' charged with?" seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the walking." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity pound a week." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is persecution?" from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "That is it on the dressing-table." breakfast?" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one States. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the burst out into a roar of laughter. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' married her." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the Countess of Morcar's?" in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have the Assizes." "To the police?" to-night." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Did he not advertise?" quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide appeal." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has not, dad?" she asked. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains rose-bushes. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Yes." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "It was an hour's good drive." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, sufficient punishment." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it in a very precise fashion." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to breakfast?" unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" were wasted." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten trifles." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to is worth.' useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "No." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" it with his own hands." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want me have 200 pounds?' child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for to have been novel and of interest." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "What do you mean?" stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is